Sept. 10, 2004

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Syracuse (4-0) cruised by Cleveland State (1-2), 30-22, 30-24, 30-25, in the first match of the Big Orange Tournament on Thursday afternoon. The outcome was a complete reversal from last year's season-opening Western New York Tournament in which the Vikings blanked the Orange in Buffalo, N.Y.

Syracuse dominated every statistical category, including hitting percentage (.309 - .154), digs (39 -29) and blocks (9-4).

"We struggled today offensively and we have to find a way to correct that quickly," CSU head coach Chuck Voss said. "I thought we passed the ball very well, but just couldn't find any offensive rhythm."

Sophomore middle hitter Danielle Siefker (Kalida, Ohio/Kalida) paced CSU with seven kills and three blocks. Freshman outside hitter Seanna Steinle (Fremont, Ohio/Ross) added five kills and a .571 hitting percentage.

Kristen Conway led the Orange with match highs of 14 kills and 10 digs.

Cleveland State plays a pair of matches tomorrow in the final day of the tournament. The Vikings will face Manhattan at 11:00 a.m., followed by Siena at 5:00 p.m.