Canisius
Bulls Sweep Canisius, 3-0
10/27/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo volleyball team completed its non-conference season on Tuesday night with a 3-0 win over crosstown rival Canisius at the Koessler Athletic Center. The Bulls improve to 15-9 on the season and their 15 wins are the most since 1997 when they had 17.
The Bulls took the first set 25-22 as UB was able to build an early lead and hold on for the victory. Senior Ellen Robertson had two service aces in the opening set, while Dani Silvers added five kills in the first.
UB took the second set by a more comfortable 25-16 margin. Junior Marisa Hornbaker had seven kills in the set, including kills on the last three points of the set. As a team, UB hit .481, committing just three hitting errors all set.
The Bulls overcame a 14-9 deficit in the third as they scored six straight points to take a 15-14 lead. With the match tied at 17, the Bulls went on a 6-2 run to take a 23-19 lead and forcing Canisius to take their second timeout. The Golden Griffs scored three straight points to pull within one, but senior Maria Mezzadri ended that run with a kill and the Bulls took the set and the match following a Canisius hitting error.
"It is always great to come out with a victory, especially when you can do it in three sets against a good team like Canisius," said head coach Todd Kress. "We are continuing to get better each and every day, but we still have a lot to correct as we reach these last few MAC weekends. We will get back at it at practice tomorrow and prepare for BG and Miami this weekend."
The Bulls were led by 12 kills from Hornbaker, who also added seven digs and a service ace. Junior Kristin Bignell added nine kills, whileKelsey Lueders had seven. Freshman Tori Beckman led the way with a match-high 12 digs. Junior Lindsey Schlegel had four kills, eight digs, 38 assists and two aces.
The Bulls return home this weekend for a pair of matches. UB hosts Bowling Green on Friday night at 7:00 pm and Miami on Saturday afternoon at 5:00 pm.
