OSWEGO, N.Y. - The Laker volleyball team got off to a fast start against defending conference champion New Paltz, taking the opening set, but could not maintain the momentum in a 3-1 defeat to the Hawks.  The Lakers fall to 12-6 (0-2 SUNYAC) while New Paltz improves to 8-7 (3-1 SUNYAC).

THE BASICS

• Final Score:  New Paltz 3, Oswego 1 (16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22)
• Location:  Max Ziel Gymnasium, Laker Hall - Oswego N.Y.
• Records:  New Paltz 8-7 (3-1) | Oswego 12-6 (0-2)

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Lakers came out firing on all cylinders, putting up 15 kills in the opener, led by senior Shauna O'Flaherty's six to take the first set 25-16.
• New Paltz flipped the script in the second in holding the Lakers to just nine kills while getting 16 of their own.
• In the pivotal third set, the Hawks' offense continued to be the story with 17 kills and a 25-21 outcome.
• Undeterred, Oswego grabbed early control in the fourth set and held a 20-16 advantage behind four kills from O'Flaherty.
• New Paltz would go on a 9-2 run behind a strong middle attack to finish the match.
• The Lakers' defense was strong in this one as five different players reached double-digits in digs, led by Emily Costa and O'Flaherty's 19.
• A trio of Lakers posted double-doubles as O'Flaherty (13 kills, 19 digs), Melissa Lussier (14 kills, 14 digs) and Julia Flohr (18 digs, 30 assists) all reached the mark.
• Middle hitter Lauren Fie had five kills and four blocks and sophomore Skylar Bechard notched 14 digs.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Lakers look to rebound tomorrow at 1 p.m. as they take on Oneonta back in Max Ziel Gymnasium.