ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- In their final tune-up before SUNYAC playoffs next weekend, the Blue Devil women's volleyball team opened up the New York State Challenge with a three-set win against Rowan (25-17, 25-21, 25-16) and a thrilling five-set win against the University of Rochester (25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 21-25, 18-16).

Fredonia proved dominant behind the service line in the first match against Rowan collecting nine aces, including three each from defenders Lauren Hokaj (Lancaster, N.Y. / St. Mary's of Lancaster) and Rachel Aiello (Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C.W. Baker) and two from Kelly Edinger (Rochester, N.Y. / Greece Athena). Offensively, Sara Madison (Rochester, N.Y. / Penfield) had ten kills, while Kristen Stanek (Hamburg, N.Y. / Orchard Park) and Jessica DiChristopher (Cheektowaga, N.Y. / West Seneca East) each had eight.

The evening win against the University of Rochester was a repeat performance of a match-up between the two teams in September which Fredonia also won in five sets. The story of the match this time around would come from the middle of the court as Jessica DiChristopher (West Seneca, N.Y. / West Seneca East) collected 14 kills and 2 errors for a .429 hitting percentage and Jane Garrity (Victor, N.Y. / Victor) finished with 11 kills and no errors for a .524 hitting percentage.

Edinger picked up 83 more assists in the two matches, while Hokaj had 32 digs.

The Blue Devils wrap up the tournament tomorrow with matches against NYU at 12:30 p.m. and Stevens at 4:30 p.m.