Troy, NY----The Sage Colleges women’s volleyball team received acclaim on Wednesday with the announcement of the first players of the week for the Fall of 2010. Sage’s rookie setter Joanie Cooney (Ballston Lake, NY/Shenendehowa) was named the league’s Rookie of the Week for her play on opening weekend with the Gators.

Cooney took over at setter for Sage and had a solid debut against tough competition. Cooney totaled 36 assists, seven digs and four service aces as the Gators opened up against Union and Skidmore. Cooney, who averaged 6.0 assists per set, had 23 assists and three service aces against Union in her first match. She added 13 assists and five digs against Skidmore.

The Gators will travel to Nazareth on Friday and Saturday, September 10-11 for the weekend. Sage will face No. 19 ranked New York University in the first round of play and find No. 2 ranked Juniata waiting in the wings. Also competing in the tournament is No. 23 ranked Heidelberg, SUNY-New Paltz, Hiram, and SUNY-Fredonia.

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