Scranton, PA – The Sage Colleges' women's volleyball team opened the new season on Saturday competing at the two-day University of Scranton Invitational. In the opener, the Gators dropped a tough 3-2 decision (17-25, 25-22, 16-25, 25-21, 15-4). In the nightcap, Sage was a 3-2 winner over Mt. Aloyisius College (21-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 21-19). The Gators stand at 1-1 on the season and will be back in action on Sunday with a pair of matches.

Sage will face John Carroll University at 10 a.m. and Lycoming College at noon.

Against the Royals of the University of Scranton, Sage was paced by the play of junior outside hitter Helen Putriment (Troy, NY/Cobleskill-Richmondville) as she has 15 kills and 15 digs for a double-double. She added three blocks as well, while freshman Michayla Berard (Binghamton, NY/Susquehanna Valley) added eight kills.

Junior outside hitter Jillian Schwab (Fayetteville, NY/Fayetteville Manlius) had eight blocks, while freshman setter Rachel Liebig (Hartford, NY/Hartford) had 12 setting assists in her collegiate debut. Senior setter Joanie Cooney (Ballston Lake, NY/Shenendehowa) added 19 setting assists with eight digs and two kills.

In the final match of the day, Cooney had 27 setting assists while Liebig had 17 assists. Putriment also had a double-double in the match as she had 18 kills with 20 digs. Rookie outside Sara Campolieta (Fulton, NY/G. Ray Bodley) added 11 digs, while junior co-captain Katelyn Drollette (Cadyville, NY/Saranac) tallied 25 digs. Berard added eight kills and four blocks for the Gators in the triumph.