The Binghamton volleyball team (5-12) ended what had been a largely disappointing preseason this past weekend on a high note. The team, determined to get some wins under its belt before conference play, swept both of its opponents on Sunday at the Sheraton Penn Invitational.

The Bearcats kicked off the tournament on Saturday against the host University of Pennsylvania (4-5), but BU was unable to fend off U Penn’s Laura Black at the net and lost the match, 30-22, 23-20, 30-27 and 30-26. Black had 16 kills and an outrageous .429 hitting percentage in the win.

Despite the loss, the Bearcats posted some impressive statistics, as four players had double-doubles. Senior middle hitter Megan Hoag had 16 kills and 14 digs, and sophomore Ashley Allen contributed a career-high 14 kills and 18 digs.

“We couldn’t execute in the front row on Saturday,” said outside hitter Katie Robertson. “U Penn played very well and we did some good things on our side, but we couldn’t pull it off in the end.”

The Bearcats showed no mercy on Sunday, beating Fairleigh Dickinson (8-4) and Quinnipiac (0-17), both in three straight games. Binghamton sent both opponents down without much of a struggle, winning by the scores 30-22, 30-23, 30-21 and 30-24, 30-22, 30-21, respectively.

The Bearcats dominated Fairleigh Dickinson at the net, posting 11.5 blocks to FDU’s six blocks. Hoag led the team with a .429 clip in the win and sophomores Jaclyn Strader and Katherine Courage dove for 10 digs each.

Binghamton had a strong defensive game against Quinnipiac, compiling 52 digs to the Bobcats’ 38. Courage had four aces and senior setter Ashley Meffert contributed 33 assists. Meffert also made Binghamton history on Sunday, becoming the school’s all time assist leader with 4,430 career assists. She already tops the school’s past setters in assists per game.

“Based on the tough tournaments we’ve had, it was good to end preseason on a high note,” Robertson said.

The Bearcats will play their first home game of the 2006 season against conference foe Albany on Friday at 7 p.m.

“It has been a really long preseason for us so we’re ready to get started in conference play,” Roberston said. “Albany is a good team and we need to be on top of our game. After all, this is what we have worked all season for.”