The St. Lawrence University volleyball team lost both matches on day one of the Red Dragon Classic versus Nazareth and host SUNY Cortland to open the 2021 season on Friday evening in Cortland, New York.

"While no one ever wants to start the season 0-2, I think our team did a nice job tonight of keeping things in perspective." Head coach Shelly Roiger had to say. "We are missing a few of our players and as a result, we have several players out of position. The team has been great about not making excuses, striving to play better under tough circumstances, and they are extremely appreciative of playing an NCAA volleyball match again. It's been 665 days since our last match and tomorrow we get to do it all over again. We talked about learning from our mistakes and moving forward and making new mistakes tomorrow which is always a sign of growth. I want us to play intelligently and fearless and with great appreciation and I'm confident that we'll have a better day tomorrow."

Match 1: St. Lawrence vs. Nazareth, 1-3 (25-21, 21-25, 17-25, 17-25)

The Saints fell to Nazareth College in their first match of the season in four sets, winning the first in 25-21, before dropping the next three 25-21, 25-17, and 25-17.

Senior Natalie Piper posted a team best 10 kills, including six in the first set win, and 11 digs. Annika Kreppein and Kate Gardner each added six kills, and Allie Posnick finished with 26 assists. Piper, Posnick, and libero Reagan Collier-Hogan all finished with 11 digs for the Saints.

Match 2: St. Lawrence vs. SUNY Cortland, 0-3 (2-25, 19-25, 13-25)

St. Lawrence lost to the Red Dragons in three sets by scores of 19-25, 19-25 and 13-25.

The Saints recorded 14 kills in the first set, 13 in the second, and 10 in the third. Piper led the match with 18 of the teams 37 kills and had 13 digs. Sophomore Dorian Funk had 17 assists, while Posnick added 14 of her own, while also recording the lone ace for the Saints.

The Red Dragons were led by libero Carly Haegele's 16 digs and three of the team's seven service aces.

The Saints fall to 0-2 on the season, while Nazareth stands at 1-0 and SUNY Cortland improved to 2-1.

St. Lawrence will return to Cortland to take on Fredonia and Arcadia University on day two of the tournament. Match times are set for 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.