The 44th annual Oneonta Invitational came to a close today, as the SUNY Oneonta volleyball team came away with a split of its two matches including a tough five-set loss to tournament champion Kean University.  The Red Dragons did respond with a gritty five-set victory against SUNY Potsdam in its second match of the day.  Oneonta finished the two-day event 3-1 overall.

Oneonta won the first two sets in its match versus Kean before the Cougars rallied to win the next three to steal the match.  Senior Erica Darpino (Endicott/Union-Endicott) and sister, sophomore Jill Darpino (Endicott/Union Endicott), led the Oneonta attack with 12 kills and 15 kills respectively.  Erica also added seven blocks, as both were named to the All-Tournament Team for Oneonta.

Junior Becca Horton (Owego/Owego Free Academy) had 22 assists while senior Kristina Pelaccio (Verplanck/Hendrick Hudson) had 18 digs to lead the defense.

Against Potsdam, Jill had 10 kills to lead Oneonta while Erica and Hannah O'Neil (Brookhaven/Bellport) each had nine kills.  Horton had 23 assists and Pelaccio had 22 digs.

Oneonta will be in action next weekend at the Bomber Invitational hosted by Ithaca.  The Red Dragons will open with Cazenovia at 3:30pm.