ALBANY, N.Y. – Russell Sage College opened Empire 8 Conference play with tonight's 3-0 (25-22, 26-24, 25-18) loss to visiting Utica.

Junior outside hitter Macey Salvione (Johnstown, NY/Gloversville) topped the Gators (5-9/0-1 E8) with 12 kills on .344 hitting and 15 digs. The effort was her fifth double-double of the fall, and fourth in-a-row. 

Senior right side Caitlin Hammecker (Warnerville, NY/Cobleskill-Richmondville) added seven kills and four total blocks, while defensive specialist/libero Elaina Moisidis (Albany, NY/Albany), a grad student, the 2022 E8 Libero/Defensive Player of the Year, elevated 16 Utica (11-7/1-0 E8) attacks.

Outside hitter Eleanor Cepiel (West Sand Lake, NY/Academy of Holy Names), a grad student, recorded eight kills, 14 digs, and three aces to help the Pioneers run their winning streak to four.  The reigning AVCA National Player of the Week, who is closing in on 1,000 career kills, was one of four Utica players to register at least five kills. 

RSC kicks off the Family Weekend tripleheader tomorrow at 10:00 am vs. Keuka. 

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…Moisidis surpassed 1,500 career digs on Sept. 9 at the SUNY New Paltz Invitational...She entered the weekend fifth in school annals with 1,573 career digs and paced the conference in both digs and digs per-set in each of the past two seasons. 

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