POTSDAM, N.Y. - The Simmons College volleyball team was defeated by No. 20 Clarkson University, 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-17), this afternoon in Potsdam, NY in the opening match of the Clarkson Classic Volleyball Tournament at Alumni Gymnasium. The Sharks fall to 0-1 on the season, while the Golden Knights, who are ranked by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, improve to 1-0 in the season opener for both teams.
Clarkson scored seven of the first eight points of the opening set, before Simmons regrouped with a 10-8 stretch to pull within 15-11. The Golden Knights closed the frame on a 10-4 run to take the set. Clarkson controlled the second set, but the Sharks played the tournament host tough in the deciding set, closing to 13-11, before the Golden Knights came away with the third set, 25-17.
Junior outside hitters Victoria Kirkemo (Englewood, Colo.) and Aishvina Arasu (Brea, Calif.) combined for 25 kills with 13 and 12, respectively to lead Clarkson. Kirkemo owned a .407 hitting percentage to go with seven digs, while Arasu registered a .345 mark. Junior setter Kirstie Shurie (LaCanada, Calif.) directed the offense for the home team with 38 assists to go with an ace, three kills and two digs. Freshman Evanne Jimenez (Ventura, Calif.) led the defense with 14 digs and added a pair of aces.
Freshman middle hitter Emmee Ashby (Payson, Ariz.) turned in an impressive collegiate debut with a team-high 11 kills and a tidy .259 hitting percentage for Simmons, while adding a dig and a block assist. Sophomore outside hitter Cailin Fredrickson (Columbia, Md.) contributed in her first match for the Sharks with four kills and a dig. Sophomore setter Andalyn Duke (Litchfield Park, Ariz.) recorded nine assists, two digs and a kill in two sets, while classmate Alex Itasaka (Bradford, Mass.) scooped up a match-high 15 digs from the libero spot to lead the defense.
Simmons returns to action tomorrow morning when it takes on number one ranked and defending national champion Calvin College at 9:00 a.m. at Alumni Gymnasium, while the Golden Knights play Calvin tonight at 6:00 p.m.