Volleyball Falls to Stony Brook and Liberty

LYNCHBURG, Va.- The Bucknell Bison volleyball team opened the 2023 season with defeats by Stony Brook and Liberty in three sets. The Bison could not gain any traction against the Seawolves, losing 20-25, 18-25, 19-25, and were burned by the Flames, 21-25, 21-25, and 18-25.

Game One

In set one, the Bison jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead before Stony Brook countered with a 12-5 run to seize the 13-8 advantage. Bucknell was game, but the CAA foe ensured they would claim the first set by staying ahead of any comeback attempt. The Bison cut the deficit to 17-16 on an Allie Lopez kill, but Stony Brook sparked a 6-0 run to deter the opportunity. A final kill by Kali Moore, the CAA Freshman of the Year, ended the first set at 25-20.

In the second set, Stony Brook jumped out to a 9-3 lead. The Bison pulled within 15-12 before the Seawolves again raced away via a scoring run. This time, Stony Brook went on a 5-1 stretch to establish a touchdown lead of 20-13. With the score at 23-15, Bucknell attempted a last grasp, winning three straight points, but Stony Point tallied twice to end the set.

Bucknell fought hard in the final set, forcing a back-and-forth experience. With the tally, 9-8 Stony Brook, the Bison scored three straight points to grab an 11-9 lead. Both teams grabbed two points each to keep Bucknell up 13-11. But that would be the last time the Bison had the lead. Stony Brook, staying consistent, seized the lead with a 5-0 run. Bucknell kept scraping and sneaked within 21-19, but the Seawolves finished the set and game on a 4-0 run to clinch the sweep.

Game Two

Liberty jumped out to a 9-6 lead in set one. The Bison rallied for a 17-14 advantage and looked posed to take their first set of the season. However, Liberty countered and fought back for a 20-20 tie. At this pivotal point of the set, the Flames burned brighter and finished the round on a 5-1 run to win.

The Bison were tenacious at the beginning of set two, grabbing a 4-1 lead. Liberty seized the 5-4 advantage, only to see Bucknell regain a 9-6 lead. The Bison continued to fight and galloped to a 19-15 lead. Once again, Liberty used a massive run to steal the set. A 10-2 stretch gave the Flames the set and the catbird seat for the match.

Liberty did not mess around in the third set, starting the round with a 5-0 run. Bucknell cut it to 8-5 before Liberty increased the advantage to 12-5. The Orange & Blue kept battling, but Liberty sealed the set by stretching the lead to 20-12. The Bison outscored Liberty 6-5 over the final plays, but the 25-18 set win gave the Flames the match.

Notes

Sidney Shaffer and Cameron Lloyd made their collegiate debuts against Stony Brook. Riley Tucker made her debut against Liberty.

Jordan Hardy recorded 29 digs over the first two games.

Up Next

The Bison conclude the Liberty Tournament tomorrow at 1 p.m. versus Gardner-Webb.

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Team Stats

Bri Frazilus

Sidney Shaffer

Catherine Jamison

Tijana Kostic

Players Mentioned

Jordan Hardy

Cameron Lloyd

Allie Lopez

Sidney Shaffer

Riley Tucker