After suffering three defeats in their own tournament on September 8 and 9, the Raiders’ volleyball team responded by sweeping its last three matches this past weekend to win Providence College’s Friar Invitational, astoundingly dropping only one game over the two-day tourney.

The Raiders lost their first game to winless Chicago State on Friday, but rebounded, winning the next three games and the match 24-30, 30-24, 30-11, 30-24. Sophomore Katrina Zawojski led the way with 19 kills, while junior Erin Kanetzke and first-year Kelsea Loveless contributed thirteen and eight kills, respectively. Sophomore Jackie Adlam led the defense with 14 digs, and first-year Meghan Fanta aided the team with her 41 assists and 10 digs.

Colgate began its Saturday doubleheader on the right foot with a strong showing. The Raiders beat Coppin State 30-20, 30-25, and 30-22, leading each game from start to finish. Zawojski again stood out with a strong all-around performance, recording a match-high 16 kills, to go along with four assists, five digs, and four blocks. Kanetzke added nine kills and Fanta finished one dig short of a second consecutive double-double, amassing nine digs and a match-high 38 assists.

The final match pitted Colgate against the host school, Providence College. The Friars would provide a much stiffer test than the previous teams, but the Raiders frazzled the Friars with a 30-25 win in the first game. The second game was close early, but a Providence serving error on the 12th point gave the Raiders the lead for good, and they ultimately won 30-20. Colgate took the lead early in the third game and finished off the Friars 30-23.

Zawojski capped off her weekend with a match-high 16 kills, adding 17 digs and six assists. Her sterling performances resulted in tournament MVP honors.

“She was just unstoppable. As a coach or fan, she was fun to watch this weekend. Some of her kills were terrific,” said Head Coach Ryan Baker.

Fanta had a match-high 39 assists and joined Zawojski on the all-tournament team.

Baker was pleased with the overall performance. “We controlled play and didn’t let our opponents match us. It was the perfect last weekend before Patriot League play begins.”

The Raiders, who are now 7-5 on the season, head to Army tomorrow night.

“We need to keep our emotions in check because they’re a strong team and the cadets really support them,” Baker commented.

Continuing their busy schedule, Colgate will travel to Holy Cross on Saturday, looking to complete another dominating weekend against the Crusaders.