AMHERST, NY-The College of Saint Rose defeated Slippery Rock, 3-2 (13-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-15, 15-8), before falling to tournament host Daemen on Saturday evening, 3-2 (25-20, 11-25, 23-25, 25-22, 9-15).
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The Golden Knights (2-2) had a slow start in the first match of the day against The Rock (5-3), but were able to settle their nerves and control the fourth and fifth sets to win the first of their four matches this weekend at Daemen.
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Senior outside hitter
Maryellen Devic totaled a match-high 16 kills and added 21 digs, three blocks and three service aces. Senior middle blocker
 Jennifer Gundrum and junior middle hitter Â
Maddy Halverson each piled up 10 kills, while Havlerson finished with a .500 attack percentage.
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Senior defensive specialist
Samantha Atchinson collected a season-best 27 digs and sophomore setter
Sam Kubik doubled up with 20 assists and 13 digs.
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Saint Rose carried its momentum from the end of the first match into the second, taking the opening set, 25-20. After Daemen (5-3) rebounded with a decisive win in set number two, the Golden Knights held a 21-15 lead in the third. However, the Wildcats closed the frame on a 10-2 run to shift momentum back to the home side.
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Gundrum and sophomore middle hitter
Grace Campbell closed out a tightly-contested fourth set with a block to force the decisive fifth set. The Wildcats then jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the final frame and the Golden Knights were unable to rebound.
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Devic finished with a season-best 19 kills and sophomore middle hitter
Shayna Webber collected a career-high 12 kills behind a .474 hitting percentage. Gundrum swung .391 and tallied 11 kills.
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For the Wildcats, senior Ashley Drzymala totaled a match-best 20 kills behind a .450 attack percentage.
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Up next, Saint Rose rounds out its weekend at Daemen with a 2:00 pm matchup with Lake Erie before taking on Roberts Wesleyan at 4:00 pm.
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