Potsdam State's Ashley Shiu (13) with the spike to the middle past the block attempt of Hartwick's Markella O'Neill (24). PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The second match of opening day at the 2026 Cardinal Classic featured another SUNYAC versus Empire 8 showdown as the SUNY Potsdam Bears faced the Hartwick Hawks before 150 fans at Memorial Hall. The Hawks controlled the match from the outset, earning a convincing straight-set victory to open their season. Hartwick wasted little time establishing control in the first set, jumping out to a 5-2 advantage and never looking back. The Hawks maintained steady pressure throughout the frame and cruised to a 25-15 victory, taking an early 1-0 lead in the match. The second set followed a similar script as Hartwick raced out to a 4-0 advantage. Potsdam battled through the middle of the set and put together a strong five-point run late to make things interesting, but the Hawks stayed in control and secured a 25-21 win to move within one set of the match. Looking to close out the contest in straight sets, Hartwick delivered its most dominant performance of the evening in the third. The Hawks surged to a commanding 9-1 lead and never allowed the Bears back into contention. Hartwick maintained its advantage throughout the set before finishing off a 25-16 victory to complete the sweep. Lucille Walker led the way for the Hawks with 11 points, helping Hartwick begin the 2026 season with a 1-0 record. The victory also sets up a possible marquee matchup on Saturday against fellow opening-day winner Russell Sage, with early tournament bragging rights potentially on the line. For SUNY Potsdam, Ashlee Hagerman paced the offense with six points. The Bears fell to 1-2 on the season but will have an opportunity to bounce back during Day 2 action of the Cardinal Classic. Match Results Hartwick 3, SUNY Potsdam 0 Set 1: Hartwick 25, Potsdam 15 Set 2: Hartwick 25, Potsdam 21 Set 3: Hartwick 25, Potsdam 16 With opening-night action complete, both Russell Sage and Hartwick sit atop the tournament standings after straight-set victories, setting the stage for an intriguing second day of competition at the 2026 Cardinal Classic. Gallery

Hartwick's Thylia Keoviengsamay (17) with the set for the upcoming kill by the Hawks. Gallery

Russell Sage's Cassidy Weiher (12) with the spike just around the pole for the score. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The final match of the Cardinal Classic featured a pair of Empire 8 Conference rivals as the Hartwick Hawks and Russell Sage Gators met in a non-conference showdown at Memorial Hall before a crowd of 250 spectators. Entering the match, Russell Sage was looking to complete an undefeated weekend and secure the tournament championship, while Hartwick sought to finish the event on a winning note. The Gators came out firing in the opening set, jumping out to a commanding 9-1 lead and appearing poised to take early control. Hartwick quickly regrouped and mounted an impressive comeback, erasing the deficit and pulling away late for a 25-23 victory to grab a 1-0 lead in the match. Russell Sage responded in the second set, once again getting off to a strong start. The Hawks battled back and kept the set close throughout, but the Gators held firm in extra points to earn a 26-24 victory and even the match at one set apiece. With the match tied, Hartwick turned in its strongest performance of the afternoon in the third set. The Hawks controlled play from the opening serve and cruised to a 25-18 win, taking a 2-1 lead and moving one set away from victory. The fourth set proved to be another tightly contested affair as Russell Sage refused to go quietly. The Gators pushed Hartwick throughout the set, but the Hawks made the key plays down the stretch and secured a 25-23 victory to close out the match and claim the 3-1 win. Hartwick finished the weekend with a 2-1 record, while Russell Sage also concluded tournament play at 2-1, falling short of its bid for an undefeated weekend and the tournament title. Lucille Walker delivered a dominant performance for the Hawks, pacing the offense with 28 points. Russell Sage was led by Paige Kemmer, who finished with 15 points in the defeat. The victory allowed Hartwick to end the Cardinal Classic on a high note, as the Hawks overcame an early deficit and used strong play over the final three sets to earn a hard-fought victory over their Empire 8 counterpart. Gallery

Hartwick's Lucille Walker (16) and Thylia Keoviengsamay (17) with the double block on Russell Sage's Mia Merino (24) to keep them off the scoreboard. Gallery

Plattsburgh State's Darby Collyear (3) with the services aces that she sends down the line for the point. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Day two of the Cardinal Classic got Saturday morning underway at Memorial Hall as the host Plattsburgh State Cardinals squared off against the Hartwick Hawks in a non-conference volleyball matchup. With 225 fans in attendance, both teams entered the contest looking to improve to 2-0 on the day. The Cardinals struck first, taking the opening set 25-21 behind a strong all-around effort. Hartwick responded in the second set, matching the Cardinals' score with a 25-21 victory to even the match at one set apiece. Plattsburgh State regained momentum in the third set, once again earning a 25-21 win to move within one set of the match victory. The Cardinals then put together their most dominant performance of the morning in the fourth set, pulling away early and cruising to a 25-13 victory to secure the 3-1 match win. Liya Girma paced the Cardinals in the winning effort with 15 points as Plattsburgh State improved to 1-1 on the tournament weekend. The victory gave the Cardinals positive momentum heading into their final match of the Cardinal Classic later in the day. For Hartwick, Sophia Palladino led the Hawks with 10 points. The loss dropped Hartwick to 1-1 on the weekend as the Hawks looked to bounce back in their final tournament match against Russell Sage. Plattsburgh State was scheduled to close out tournament play against SUNY Potsdam in the final match of the day, while Hartwick prepared for its afternoon showdown with Russell Sage. Gallery

Hartwick's Isabella Gracias (14) with the spike over the defender for the Hawks score.Gallery