ALBANY – The College of Saint Rose women's volleyball team split a pair of non-conference matches this afternoon in a doubleheader at the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium. The Golden Knights (2-8) suffered a 3-2 (17-25, 32-30, 20-25, 25-22, 12-15) setback versus Caldwell College in today's first tilt, but snapped a five-match skid via a 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-20) victory over Mercy College in the nightcap.

In the opener, Saint Rose senior middle hitter Kelly Ryan and junior outside hitter Sarah Kahrs combined for 32 of the squad's 58 kills. Ryan wound up with 14 kills on the strength of a .303 hitting percentage. Kahrs recorded season-highs of 18 kills and 24 digs while hitting .317 for the match.

Junior setter Theresa Staulo handled the offense behind a season-best 48 assists for the Golden Knights. She also contributed eight digs and a pair of blocks. Additionally, freshman defensive specialist Christina Strezenec led the defensive unit with 24 digs.

Caldwell (5-3) also had two players reach double-digits in kills. Junior middle blocker Titilola Alao registered 18 kills to lead the way, while junior outside hitter Amber Mosher wound up with 13 kills.

On the defensive side of the net, sophomore libero Maddy Amon led all players with 25 digs and six aces. Additionally, junior setter Lauren Roth handed out 43 assists to go along with seven kills and five digs.

Against Mercy (3-3), Saint Rose used a balanced offensive attack to earn the sweep. Five players finished with at least five kills, including freshman middle hitter Alex Gagliano and sophomore outside hitter Kayleigh Quinn. The duo chalked up eight kills apiece.

Once again, Kahrs and Strezenec spearheaded the back row via 11 and 10 digs respectively. Staulo passed out 28 assists and had five kills as well.

The Mavericks received 10 kills and six digs from freshman outside hitter Nicolette Gebhardt.

The Golden Knights are scheduled to commence their 2010 league slate Wednesday night when they host Assumption College at 7:00 pm at the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium. Caldwell also returns home to host Felician Monday night at 7:00 pm, while Mercy is back in action tomorrow with a non-conference match versus Le Moyne beginning at 4:00 pm.

Box Score - Caldwell vs. Saint Rose

Box Score - Mercy vs. Saint Rose