Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Charlotte (Charlotte Tournament)
Bison Spikers Drop Season Opener at Charlotte, 3-1
9/3/2004 8:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 3, 2004
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Bucknell volleyball team extended a strong Charlotte squad to four games before succumbing 3-1 in the season opener for both teams Friday night at the SpringHill Suites Invitational. Freshman Jenna Henderson led Bucknell with nine kills in her collegiate debut, but buoyed by 21 service aces, the host 49ers prevailed 30-20, 22-30, 30-14, 30-21.
Bucknell hit .360 in its game-two win, but just .060 in the other three sets. Henderson had only two errors in 22 attempts, hit .318 for the match and collected a team-high three aces. Becky Fisher added seven kills and Amanda Grossmann had five kills without an error for the Bison. Chelsea Robertson led the Bison with seven digs, while Sarah Groman had three solo blocks to go with her four kills.
Junior Jessica Le, making her first career start at setter, handed out 24 assists to go with four digs and a pair of kills.
Abbey Szlanfucht had 14 kills and Jessica Oldenburg had 13, while Lisa Newell logged nine aces for Charlotte.
"We had a good effort against a very fine Charlotte team," said Bucknell head coach Cindy Opalski. "We have the ability to be a very good team, but we were inconsistent tonight. I thought we received a very solid effort from setter Jessica Le, who did an outstanding job running the offense and distributing the ball. Amanda Grossmann and Jenna Henderson also stood out."
Bucknell will play twice on Saturday to conclude the tournament. The Bison battle James Madison at 11 a.m. and Charleston Southern at 5 p.m. JMU swept Charleston Southern 3-0 in Friday's other match.
