The St, John Fisher College volleyball team fell in its season opener to host and nationally-ranked New York University in three straight sets and couldn't rebound back against Union College in the second match on Friday at the NYU Labor Day Invitational.  The Cardinals continue tournament play at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday against Babson College. The consolation and championship games are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.

NYU 3, Fisher 0

The Cardinals took the first two points of the first set, thanks to an error by NYU and a kill from senior Paige Willson. NYU went on a five-point run, and despite Fisher's four-point response, the Cardinals dropped the first set, 25-18.

In the second set, Fisher found themselves leading 18-16 before NYU found momentum with an eight-point run, making it 24-18. NYU then took the second set, 25-21 and picked up the win in the third set as well.

Freshman Madison Karwas made a solid collegiate debut, leading Fisher with seven kills.   Junior Erin Crandall led the Cardinals with 11 digs, while freshman Katie Mazierski added nine.  Erica Stickler totaled a team-best 14 assists. 

Union 3, Fisher 0

The Cardinals dropped the second match, 26-24, 25-18 and 25-17, falling to 0-2 on opening day.

The first set was close with the squads tied at 11 apiece before Union took a 6-0 run. Fisher rallied back, trailing by just two points then tying it up again at 24-24. Union won two straight points to take the set, 26-24.

Stickler paced Fisher with 16 assists.  Crandall tallied 13 digs, while Karwas (11) and Anna Marcy (nine) combined for 20.