Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Lafayette *
Bucknell Volleyball Topples Lafayette, 3-0
10/7/2005 8:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 7, 2005
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Junior Kristen Sydlowski (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) recorded a double-double as the Bucknell volleyball team downed Lafayette by a 3-0 margin. With the victory, the Bison improved to 4-2 in Patriot League action and 12-6 overall, while the Leopards slid to 10-8, 1-4 in the Patriot League.
In game one, Bucknell jumped out to a 3-0 lead and never trailed. Freshman Shannon Pitsch (Oak Brook, Ill./Fenwick) closed out the frame with two of her three service aces on the night to clinch the 30-21 win. Then in game two, Lafayette held the advantage until the Bison scored five consecutive points to erase the deficit and take a 27-26 lead on their way to a 30-28 victory. Even though the Leopards climbed to within one at 29-28 in game three after Bucknell led by as many as six, it proved to not be enough as the Bison clinched the match on a Lafayette service error, taking game three, 30-28.
Bucknell saw a balanced attack from its offense as four players reached double-digit kill totals. Juniors Amanda Grossman (Allentown, Pa./Parkland), Jennie Smith (Roanoke, Va./Patrick Henry) and Sydlowski contributed 11 kills apiece in the match, while sophomore Jenna Henderson (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek) added 10 kills. Sydlowski hit .360 on the night and recorded a match-high 22 digs as well. Senior Chelsea Anderson (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Torrey Pines) followed with 14 digs. Setter Jessica Le (Red Lion, Pa./Red Lion) chipped 27 assists and Pitsch tallied 17 helpers.
"I was pleased with our total team effort offensively," said Bucknell head coach Cindy Opalski. "When four of our offensive players are in double-digit kills and you have the strong defensive effort from both Anderson and Sydlowski as we did, we're unstoppable."
Veronica Canto-Ponce led the Leopards with 18 kills and hit .293 with two service aces. Shannon Fisher followed with nine kills and Megan Carter totaled 36 assists. Karla Barbiche totaled 15 digs and Kathleen Kretzmer pitched in with 10 digs.
The Bison next travel to Sacramento, Calif., to take on Sacramento State on Sunday at 5 p.m.
