Even when not playing conference opponents, the Binghamton University women’s volleyball team proves that they are a force to be reckoned with.
The team pulled out a three-set sweep of the Cornell Big Red in Cornell on Tuesday, improving its record to 11-12.
The Bearcats have won seven of their last eight matches and remain 5-1 in conference, second to Albany’s 7-0 mark in the America East. BU jumped out early against the Big Red (7-12), utilizing a 14-2 run to put the set out of reach on the way to a 25-17 win.
“In order to do that, our serving had to be strong,” said head coach Glenn Kiriyama. “Our defense was really scrappy. I thought we went after balls, after everything, and didn’t give up and made some great ups and we played some long rallies.”
The next sets were not as easy for Binghamton. The second set was back-and-forth to the end, setting up a 23-23 tie. At this pivotal point in the match, BU utilized a Cornell error and a kill to edge by, winning 25-23. The third set was another back-and-forth affair, with the two teams knotted at 18 late in the set. It was at this time that the Bearcats took control, posting a 7-1 run to win 25-19.
“We actually played well down at the end of those two games,” Kiriyama said. “I thought we passed well, we controlled the ball well and the hitters came through when we needed them to.”
Sophomores Sandra Devito, Anna Lejina and Mercedes Montford played well, each posting double-digit kills. Fellow sophomore Michelle McDonough was the star, however, leading the team with a match-high 17 kills.
“[McDonough’s] gotten better and better as the season’s progressed,” Kiriyama said. “Right now she’s hitting really well and the opponents are having a hard time keeping up with her.”
The Cornell game wrapped up the Bearcats’ non-conference schedule, as BU finished with a 6-11 record out of conference.
The team’s six remaining regular season games will come against America East foes. Kiriyama said there was a difference playing against a non-conference opponent.
“Being a non-conference match, it didn’t have as much importance as the conference matches,” Kiriyama said. “I felt like the pressure wasn’t as great in that match. They’re looking forward to getting back into conference.”
Binghamton continues at the University of Hartford (6-20, 0-7 AE) tonight at 6 p.m. The Hawks just snapped a nine-match losing streak with a win against Providence. The Bearcats follow that match with a game at Stony Brook University (11-14, 2-5) on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Bearcats have beaten each team once at home already.