POTSDAM, N.Y. – Cortland, ranked fifth in the NCAA Div. III New York Region, won two matches during the opening day of competition at the SUNYAC Eastern Divisional pool play at SUNY Potsdam. The Red Dragons (25-7, 5-1 SUNYAC East) swept Plattsburgh, 25-16, 25-13, 25-7, then beat regionally third-ranked New Paltz in four sets, 19-25, 25-22, 25-20, 26-24.

Cortland took over sole possession of first place in the Eastern Division after New Paltz lost in four sets to Oneonta later Friday night. New Paltz and Oneonta are both 4-2 in divisional play, a game behind Cortland, with two matches left. The Red Dragons play Saturday versus Potsdam at 10 a.m. and Oneonta at noon. The top three teams from the East and top three teams from the West qualify for the SUNYAC tournament Nov. 4-6, hosted by the West champion. The two divisional winners earn byes into the semifinals.

Freshman Aubrey Barrett (Liverpool) led a balanced attack versus Plattsburgh with seven kills and also recorded two blocks. Junior Kaitlyn Cooper (Webster/Webster Schroeder) finished with six kills and three blocks and junior Sheena Asibey (Brentwood) added six kills.

Also versus Plattsburgh, sophomore Kristen Guercio (Smithtown/Smithtown East) totaled 28 assists and two aces and freshman Ava Hintz (East Aurora) had three kills. Junior Erin Carrino (Baldwinsville/C.W. Baker) and freshman Krissy Silk (Massapequa Park/Massapequa) registered 11 digs each.

Asibey led Cortland in the win over New Paltz with 18 kills and a 54 percent attack percentage. Junior Ashley Coyle (Mt. Hope/Minisink Valley) amassed 17 kills, 11 digs and two aces and Cooper added 12 kills and a 41 percent attack percentage.

Guercio finished with 52 assists for a 13 assist-per-set average. She also had 14 digs and two kills. Sophomore Katie Wick (Cortland/Homer) chipped in with seven kills, five digs and three aces, while junior Jaclyn Lawrence (Marilla/Iroquois Central) and Carrino recorded 14 and nine digs, respectively.