BRISTOL, RI -- The Alfred University women's volleyball team got its first test of the 2018 campaign with a pair of losses to experienced Roger Williams University and Augsburg University on Friday evening at the RWU Invitational.

The Saxons (0-2, 0-0 Empire 8) fell in three sets in both matchups. They first posted set scores of 11-25, 12-25 and 6-25 against the host before their 14-25, 10-25 and 12-25 performance in the nightcap. "We were definitely tested tonight, but we knew that could be a reality as we came out here to be challenged on a much higher level," Head Coach Dakota Pruiss said. "The Roger Williams match proved to be a challenge but I was very proud of Mikala [McCartney] and Ibby [Estep] and their performances. They brought a lot of energy and great defense for us in that match. During the Augsburg match, I am happy to say that Amber [Smith] and Sarah [Raeman] really started to rally on offense. The team as a unit played much more in sync, and even though the score doesn't show it, rallies were longer and we learned the value of repeat performances within a single point. This team is young but athletic so I am pleased with the day overall."

The Alfred University team was led by 10.5 points from Amber Smith (Penfield, NY/Webster Schroeder). 10 of those points were contributed from five kills in each match with one assisted block against Augsburg. Sophomore captain Sarah Raeman (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua) followed with 6.0 points and she recorded four kills against Augsburg. Sophomore transfer Amanda Burns (Pine Bush, NY/Pine Bush) got to see her first outing as the Saxons' setter, recording 24 assists with 14 of those occurring in the late match.

The Saxons' front line struggled at the net, defensively, as they totaled two solo blocks and four block assists. First-year Lainey Arneson (Yorktown, VA/Tabb) recorded one solo block in both matches and an assisted stop against Roger Williams along with Burns. Against Augsburg, Arneson and fellow first-year Rachael Moravansky (Mt. Airy, MD/Linganore) teamed up to stop an attack as both were credited with block assists.

The Alfred University defensive specialists combined for 65 digs on the day. They were led by senior captain Elisabeth Estep (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) and her 14 attack saves as her daily best was eight against RWU. Junior captain Sarah Huzyk (North Chili, NY/Churchville-Chili) followed with her 13 digs as seven came against Augsburg. Both Mikala McCartney (Buffalo, NY/St. Mary's) and Burns had four against the host institution while Estep and Smith recorded six each against Augsburg.

Alfred University will wrap up its Rhode Island stay tomorrow as they take on Trine University and Montclair State University.