Potsdam, NY – The SUNY Canton volleyball team nearly took one of the nation's best teams to five sets as they fell late in the fourth set dropping a 3-1 decision (25-13, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22) to host Clarkson University in the opening round of the Golden Knights Invitational Friday night at Alumni Gymnasium.

SUNY Canton moves to 16-5 on the season while No. 16 nationally-ranked Clarkson improves to 23-3. After the hosts used a strong opening set where they produced 13 kills compared to just six for the Roos, the rest of the match proved to be a battle. Despite 12 kills apiece in the second frame the Knights were able to separate late for a 25-21 victory.

The Roos pounced back in the third set putting down 15 kills, the highest total either team had in a frame on the evening. SUNY Canton took the third 25-23. The match would come down to the fourth stanza and the Roos showed just what a tough team they are as the set was deadlocked at 21 apiece. Clarkson was able to close it out late tallying four of the match's final five points for the 25-22 win.

Senior captain Caitlin Grimshaw (Adams, NY) had a phenomenal match posting a double-double with a match-high 12 kills to go with 10 digs and a .345 hitting percentage. Sophomore Kelsy Cornish (Honeoye, NY) also finished with double digit kills at 10 and added seven digs.

Morgan Bills (Walworth, NY) had a good match on both sides of the net with seven kills and four blocks, while Robyn Carroll (Bowmanville, ON) led the way defensively with a team-high 15 digs. Mackenzie Mynter (Churchville, NY) was effective setting up the offense with 38 assists and was a factor defensively with nine digs. Jessica Reynolds (Oakville, ON) chipped in with six kills and six digs.

Adrienne Walker led Clarkson with 11 kills, while Rachael Aird and Aishvina Arasu finished with 10 kills apiece. Kirstie Shurie assisted a match-high 44 kills, while Victoria Kirkemo produced a strong service game with six aces.

The women's volleyball team continues on day two of the Golden Knights Invitational on Saturday when they take on Utica College at 10:00 a.m. and Plattsburgh State at 2:00 p.m. Stay up to date with the latest news directly from the SUNY Canton Athletics department by "liking" us on Facebook and "following" our Twitter, Instagram and YouTube accounts.

About SUNY Canton
SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The college's 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.