Saturday, August 31
Vestal, NY
1:30 p.m.
Bucknell University
3
at
0
Binghamton
Volleyball Sweeps Binghamton in Decisive Fashion
8/31/2024 3:35:00 PM | Volleyball
VESTAL, N.Y.- The Bucknell Bison volleyball team (2-1) concluded the Bearcat Classic with a decisive three-set sweep (25-21, 25-16, 25-14) of host Binghamton (1-2) on Saturday afternoon. The Orange & Blue gathered its second-consecutive sweep via balanced team play and collecting 36 kills to the Bearcats's 25. Binghamton was picked to place second in the America East standings.Â
"I'm happy with how we competed as a team today," said head coach Tyler Hagstrom. "We were looking for more consistency after Saturday where we were a little up and down, so to go out and work hard, play together, and with good energy is a great way to finish the weekend."
Recap
Junior Tijana Kostic, playing a larger role in 2023, led the Bison with 11 kills and adding 11 digs. Senior libero Jordan Hardy collected 17 digs, averaging nearly six digs per set. Setter Caleigh O'Connell displayed perfect health after her 2023 season ended early due to injury with 28 assists. Freshman Bella Rodriguez added three service aces.Â
The Bison never trailed in the first set, blitzing to a 10-4 lead. With the score at 13-6, Binghamton went on a 5-1 run. The Bison remained in control and expanded its lead back to 20-15. The Bearcats made a dash for a tie, drawing within 20-19. A Kostic kill and a Rodriguez ace ended those hopes. Twice, Binghamton moved within two points (22-20 and 23-21) but Bucknell finished the set, 25-21.Â
Binghamton tied the second set at 1-1. It was the final tie of the segment. The Bison used an 8-1 run to create separation. Bucknell made it 13-6 again when the Bearcats used the same 5-1 trick. The ultimate outcome remained the same. The Orange & Blue kept ahead of the fighting Bearcats. A 7-2 run with the score at 18-14 completed the set.Â
The Bearcats unlocked their only lead of the game by scoring the third set's opening point. Bucknell promptly answered with a 5-0 run. Binghamton drew within 7-0 before, like against Merrimack yesterday in the third set, Bucknell used a large run to put the matter to rest. An 8-0 run effectively sealed the set and win. The Bearcats had one fleeting moment with a 3-0 run at 22-10, but it merely delayed the inevitable. A Rodriguez and Sidney Shaffer block ended the match.Â
Kostic and Shaffer received All-Tournament Team honors. Kostic collected 26 kills in three games, moving her over the 200 career milestone (201). She also supplied 21 digs. Shaffer supplied 19 kills and nine total blocks. She's three kills away from 100 career.Â
Up Next
Bucknell heads to the Tribe Invitational hosted by William & Mary. The matches start Sept. 6 with a showdown against the host team on Friday.Â
"I'm happy with how we competed as a team today," said head coach Tyler Hagstrom. "We were looking for more consistency after Saturday where we were a little up and down, so to go out and work hard, play together, and with good energy is a great way to finish the weekend."
Recap
Junior Tijana Kostic, playing a larger role in 2023, led the Bison with 11 kills and adding 11 digs. Senior libero Jordan Hardy collected 17 digs, averaging nearly six digs per set. Setter Caleigh O'Connell displayed perfect health after her 2023 season ended early due to injury with 28 assists. Freshman Bella Rodriguez added three service aces.Â
The Bison never trailed in the first set, blitzing to a 10-4 lead. With the score at 13-6, Binghamton went on a 5-1 run. The Bison remained in control and expanded its lead back to 20-15. The Bearcats made a dash for a tie, drawing within 20-19. A Kostic kill and a Rodriguez ace ended those hopes. Twice, Binghamton moved within two points (22-20 and 23-21) but Bucknell finished the set, 25-21.Â
Binghamton tied the second set at 1-1. It was the final tie of the segment. The Bison used an 8-1 run to create separation. Bucknell made it 13-6 again when the Bearcats used the same 5-1 trick. The ultimate outcome remained the same. The Orange & Blue kept ahead of the fighting Bearcats. A 7-2 run with the score at 18-14 completed the set.Â
The Bearcats unlocked their only lead of the game by scoring the third set's opening point. Bucknell promptly answered with a 5-0 run. Binghamton drew within 7-0 before, like against Merrimack yesterday in the third set, Bucknell used a large run to put the matter to rest. An 8-0 run effectively sealed the set and win. The Bearcats had one fleeting moment with a 3-0 run at 22-10, but it merely delayed the inevitable. A Rodriguez and Sidney Shaffer block ended the match.Â
NotesThe final moment of our sweep!
— Bucknell Volleyball (@Bucknell_VB) August 31, 2024
Fun trip back to L-Burg! @ESPNPlus | @PatriotLeagueHQ pic.twitter.com/HgVBfn2z8x
Kostic and Shaffer received All-Tournament Team honors. Kostic collected 26 kills in three games, moving her over the 200 career milestone (201). She also supplied 21 digs. Shaffer supplied 19 kills and nine total blocks. She's three kills away from 100 career.Â
Up Next
Bucknell heads to the Tribe Invitational hosted by William & Mary. The matches start Sept. 6 with a showdown against the host team on Friday.Â
Players Mentioned
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/ Volleyball
OPP
/ Volleyball
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/ Volleyball
OH
/ Volleyball
MB
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