Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Lehigh *
Bison Spikers Complete Lehigh Valley Sweep with 3-0 Win over Mountain Hawks
11/1/2003 7:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 1, 2003
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Jackie Leahy recorded 18 kills and the Bucknell volleyball team spoiled Senior Night at Leeman-Turner Arena with a 3-0 Patriot League victory over Lehigh on Saturday evening. The victory was the Bison's sixth in a row and upped its conference record to 10-1 (14-9 overall).
With the win, Bucknell clinched at least the No. 2 seed at the Patriot League Tournament later this month.
Bucknell had to come from behind in all three games en route to a 30-26, 33-31, 30-28 victory. The Bison trailed 20-16 in the opening frame before rallying. Lehigh (15-12, 6-5) led 19-10 in game two and had a chance to serve for the game at 29-27, but again Bucknell stormed back and ended the game on a Jessica Bissett service ace.
The Bison overcame a four-point deficit in the final game, but they hit .429 in game three to pull out the win. Coupled with a 3-0 victory at Lafayette on Friday, Bucknell swept its weekend road trip without yielding a single game.
"This is a very, very special team," said head coach Cindy Opalski. "This was not one of our best performances, but what makes it fun is that in clutch situations we have players that are very poised and composed, and they are able to come through under pressure."
Brandi Trapasso finished with nine kills and 15 digs, while Breean Trapasso handed out 41 assists. Bissett had eight kills and hit .500, while Jennie Smith and Sarah Groman logged seven kills each.
Jeannette Singleton led Lehigh with 14 kills, while Michelle Schwendenmann added 13. Lehigh his .209 in the match, compared to Bucknell's .221.
The Bison return home next weekend to face Navy and American. Saturday night's tilt against first-place American (11-0 PL) will be on Senior Night at Davis Gym, and the Bison will have a chance to avenge its only league loss of the season.
