The SUNY Oneonta volleyball team opened its season today with a pair of solid sweeps on the opening day of the 43rd annual Oneonta Invitational.  The Red Dragons swept through both Emmanuel and Hunter College en route to staking its place in the championship bracket for tomorrow's final day of the two-day event.

In the opening match of the day, Oneonta defeated Emmanuel College 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, 25-10) in just over 80 minutes.  Senior Brittany Calvello (Gloversville/Broadalbin-Perth) led the Red Dragons with seven kills to go with 13 assists and three block assists.  Senior Kacy Boburka (Binghamton/Chenango Valley) and junior Bridget McHugh (New Hyde Park/Herricks) and freshman Jill Darpino (Endicott/Union Endicott) each contributed five kills to the attack.  Darpino also added a team high five block assists while McHugh had three block assists.  Junior Kristina Pelaccio (Verplanck/Hendrick Hudson) led the defensive effort with 12 digs while Boburka was next with 10.

Against Hunter, Oneonta won 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-11) as they controlled the match from the outset.  Junior Erica Darpino (Endicott/Union-Endicott) and freshman Hannah O'Neil (Brookhaven/Bellport) led Oneonta with seven kills apiece.

Oneonta will face Lewis & Clark tomorrow morning at 11:30am in the semifinals of the championship bracket.  Lewis & Clark also went 2-0 today, defeating Hartwick College and Plattsburgh.  The winner of the match will play in the championship match scheduled for 3:30pm while the other team will play in the 3rd place match at 1:30pm.