Volleyball's Non-Conference Schedule Ends in Five Set Defeat to Binghamton

VESTAL, N.Y.- Bucknell Volleyball (3-6) led two sets to one over Binghamton (4-6) and looked ready to win the fourth set and the match by holding a 19-16 advantage in an attempt to complete a 3-0 weekend. Binghamton rallied for a 9-1 run to win the set and then won the fifth and final stanza 15-12 to defeat the Bison in the last game of the Binghamton Invitational on Saturday afternoon. The contest completed Bucknell's 2025 non-conference schedule.

Sidney Shaffer concluded her remarkable weekend with 17 kills to tie with teammate Bella Rodriguez for the game and team high. The 17 kills represented a career-high for the sophomore Rodriguez. Tijana Kostic provided her habitual double-double with 13 kills and 11 digs. Caleigh O'Connell supplied 53 assists.

Bucknell won the opening set 27-25 after trailing by multiple points several times. Binghamton led 21-16 before a 7-1 Bucknell run had the Bison at set point. The Bearcats rallied to tie the contest at 24-24. The Orange & Blue used a 3-1 stretch capped by an O'Connell and Shaffer block to win the set.

Binghamton dashed away with the second set with a 6-0 run when the score was 11-9 Bearcats. The Bison inched within 23-19 before a Bearcat kill and a Kaitlyn Taylor attack error ended the set.

The Bison never trailed against the Bearcats in the third set. The teams tied several times before Bucknell built a sizable 20-13 lead. Binghamton uncorked a 3-0 run to create some anxiety but the Bison remained calm and drew away for the 25-18 victory.

Bucknell went on a 6-1 run in the fourth set to build a football-style 10-7 lead. The Bison continued to keep ahead of the Bearcats to sit at 19-16. The host team made its run then with a decisive 9-1 stretch to force a fifth set.

The fifth set was an evenly-fought affair. Bucknell squeaked ahead 12-11 on a Shaffer kill. Binghamton scored two points to take the lead. Bucknell called timeout in an attempt to stem the tide. Binghamton's Maya Coblentz-Brown ignored the suggestion and recorded two more of her 16 kills to win the set and game.

Cameron Lloyd and Shaffer were named to the Binghamton Invitational All-Tournament Team. Lloyd posted 58 digs and seven service aces. Shaffer pounded 47 kills.

Up Next

Bucknell opens play at Davis Gym and Patriot League competition on Sept. 19 when Keystone Clash rival Lehigh arrives in Lewisburg.

Volleyball's Non-Conference Schedule Ends in Five Set Defeat to Binghamton

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Team Stats

Sidney Shaffer

Bella Rodriguez

Tijana Kostic

Riley Tucker

Players Mentioned

Tijana Kostic

Cameron Lloyd

Caleigh O'Connell

Bella Rodriguez

Sidney Shaffer

Kaitlyn Taylor