NEW PALTZ, N.Y. -- The FDU-Florham volleyball team earned a split in their two matches on Saturday at the Hawks Invitational at SUNY New Paltz University.

The Devils (8-8) defeated the Mount St. Mary College Knights for the second time this season, however, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to the host Hawks in their first match of the day. Freshman outside hitter Melissa Gaffney (League City, Texas/Clear Creek) was named to the All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of the tournament.

Match One:
The Devils claimed the first set of the match 25-18 and appeared to be in position to upset the host New Paltz Hawks (10-2) but unfortunately their success ended there. In the second set, the Hawks rebounded to win 25-15, which set the stage for an exciting match-shifting third set. A back-and-forth third set battled resulted in a 25-23 victory that swung the momentum to the Hawks. New Paltz claimed the decisive fourth set comfortably 25-17 to win the match. 
 
Gaffney paced the FDU-Florham attack with eight kills, while setter Codi Inloes-Williams (Palmer Lake, Colo./Liberty) totaled 22 assists and nine digs in the loss. Junior outside hitter Becca Borquist compiled a match-high 25 kills to lead the Hawks and was helped out by New Paltz setter Maddie Zwickl's 36 assists.

Match Two:
After battling on Wednesday night in Madison, N.J., the Devils and Mount St. Mary College (N.Y.) squared off again on Saturday, this time at a neutral site. Without missing a beat, the Devils continued their success against the Knights en route to a 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-21) straight-set victory. Gaffney was locked in and amassed 15 kills on 31 total attacks. The freshman was responsible for 15 of the Devils' 27 kills in the match. Sophomore Alex Mueller (Gainesville, Fla./Eastside) had her best serve working and totaled four aces to go along with 13 digs.

Next up for the Devils:
FDU-Florham begins Freedom Conference play this Wednesday, September 17th when they visit Manhattanville College. First serve is slated for 7 p.m.