Volleyball Eliminates Loyola in Straight Sets

LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Bucknell Bison volleyball team (12-9, 8-4 PL) served up nothing but treats for itself and its fans on Friday night when the Orange & Blue celebrated Halloween and won in straight sets (27-25, 25-13, 25-18) over the visiting Loyola (Md.) Greyhounds (9-12, 4-8 PL). The Maryland team had no answer for the Bison attack and defense. Bucknell recorded 40 kills, 12 by team leader Catherine Jamison, and 10 blocks with five coming from Riley Tucker to dominate the nets. The Bison completed the season series 6-0 in sets against the Greyhounds. Laura Caro filled in as setter and provided 28 assists and six kills.

Recap

With a raucous crowd present for the Halloween costume contest, the Bison were motivated. But Loyola jumped out to a 10-8 lead before the Bison streaked in front 14-11 thanks to a 6-1 run. Loyola recovered to tie it at 16-16. The Bison went ahead 18-16, and again, the Greyhounds knotted up the set. When the score mounted into the 20s, Loyola kept one point ahead of the home team. With the score 25-24 in favor of Loyola, the resilient Bison made their move, forcing Loyola into three straight attack errors to win the set, 27-25. The 25-24 was Loyola's final lead of the contest.

How set one was won!

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— Bucknell Volleyball (@Bucknell_VB) October 27, 2023

If the first set was a rollercoaster of emotions, the second stanza was sweet poetry for the Bison. Bucknell leaped to a 3-0 lead on two Libby Nieporte service aces and one Jamison kill. The Orange & Blue put the game with a decisive 8-1 run when the score was 9-6 Bucknell. Time and time again, Loyola hit their attacks into impregnable walls of Bison defenders. At the 21-8 mark, Loyola started trading points with Bucknell, but the outcome was never in doubt. A Cameron Lloyd kill and a Greyhound attack error gave Bucknell the 25-13 win.

The Loyola attack goes wide and we are up 2-0!

Watch: ESPN+ (https://t.co/BEKCqQHYNe)@PatriotLeagueTV | @ESPN #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/erGiC3GVIZ
— Bucknell Volleyball (@Bucknell_VB) October 28, 2023

Bucknell started the third set on fire, storming out to a 5-0 lead via five straight kills. To Loyola's credit, the visitors did not falter and tied the set at 10-10 and then retied it at 12-12. Bucknell put the matter to bed, undergoing a 7-2 run to achieve permanent separation from the Baltimore squad. Loyola sneaked within 21-17, but it was all academic. A 4-1 run and a Tucker kill ended the set, 25-18, and gave Bucknell its eighth conference win.

BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE!

We take the match 3-0!

Watch: ESPN+ (https://t.co/BEKCqQHqXG)@PatriotLeagueTV | @ESPN #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/6jPiokz5AF
— Bucknell Volleyball (@Bucknell_VB) October 28, 2023

Notes

Hardy's 16 digs moved her past the 1,400 mark. She now has 1413 digs in her illustrious career.

Up Next

The Bison welcome conference foe Navy into Davis Gym tomorrow for a 4 p.m. start time.

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Team Stats

Catherine Jamison

Cameron Lloyd

Laura Caro

Sidney Shaffer

Players Mentioned

Laura Caro

Catherine Jamison

Cameron Lloyd

Libby Nieporte

Riley Tucker