PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Russell Sage College began the fall by falling 3-1 (27-25, 16-25, 14-25, 13-25) this afternoon at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Sophomore setter Emma Freidel (Utica, NY/New Hartford) recorded a double-double of 18 assists and 10 digs in her Gator debut. She was one of three RSC players to elevate double-digit Cardinal attacks. Defensive specialist Elaina Moisidis (Albany, NY/Albany), a grad student, the reigning Empire 8 Conference Libero/Defensive Player of the Year, (15) and junior defensive specialist Macey Salvione (Johnstown, NY/Gloversville) (18) were the others.

Salvione topped the RSC offense with seven kills, while senior middle hitter Monalissa Carius (Hudson, NY/Hudson), senior outside hitter Caitlin Hammecker (Warnerville, NY/Cobleskill-Richmondville), added five kills apiece.

After the Gators erased a 23-21 deficit to take the opening set 27-25, SUNY Plattsburgh (1-0) flew out to leads of 10-4 and 19-9 respectively to gain control of the season opener for both squads.

Freshman right side Darby Collyear registered 11 kills to pace the Cardinals, which limited RSC to -.022 hitting. Senior setter Emma Rivers added a double-double of 22 assists and 12 digs.

RSC (0-1) continues its time at the Cardinal Classic by facing SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Poly on Saturday.

Notes: The fall marks the debut of Rosilyn Cummings at the helm of the Gators…She took over for Sandy Austein-Collins '87, who retired in March after 26 seasons of collegiate coaching, 13 of which came at RSC…Defensive specialist Elaina Moisidis (Albany, NY/Albany), a grad student, began the campaign sixth in program records with 1,415 career digs...The reigning Empire 8 Conference Libero/Defensive Player of the Year topped the conference in both digs and digs per-set in each of the past two seasons. 

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