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University at Buffalo
6-0
Bucknell
3-2
Bulls Dominate Bison; Win Cornell Invitational
9/7/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
ITHACA, NY – The University at Buffalo volleyball team concluded its second straight perfect weekend, winning the Cornell Invitational after they crushed Bucknell, 3-0. The Bulls have now won 18 of 19 possible sets to begin the year.
The Bulls took the match, 25-14, 25-10, 25-15 and it wouldn't have even been that close if not for 12 Buffalo service errors. The Bulls hit a season-high .389 on the afternoon as they were strong defensively with Bucknell hitting -.099.
Buffalo opened the first set on a 10-2 run as they routed the Bison from the start. A kill from sophomore Tahleia Bishop helped extend the UB lead to 18-7 and the Bulls led by as many as 13 at 24-11 before another kill from Bishop gave UB the set.
UB opened set number two on another huge run as it scored 14 of the first 16 points to go up 14-2 after a double block from Amber Hatchett and Akeila Lain. Another double block from senior Carissa McKenna and junior Liz Scott moved the lead to 22-6. The Bulls ended up winning the set 25-10.
With UB comfortably ahead moving to the third set, it opened the set on a 9-3 run. The Bulls were up just 12-10, when they went on a 9-1 run, after a Bucknell attack error. UB went back up by nine at 24-15 and won by that mark, 25-16.
"I was very pleased with our performance today and it is great to be able to win three straight on the road," said head coach Todd Kress. "We were aggressive in our serves and for the most part it paid off. This weekend was a big step in the right direction and I am excited to get back in the gym this week and keep working."
Scott was named the tournament's most valuable player as she had six kills and just one error, despite only needing to play in two sets today. Bishop had a team-high nine kills, while McKenna also added six kills. Hatchett and senior Christine Fritsche each added five kills. Bishop was also named to the all-tournament team.
UB had nine service aces, including three from junior setter Taylor Pritchett, who also finished with 13 assists. Senior Dani Reinert led the way with 16 assists and added a pair of aces.
UB's final all-tournament selection went to senior Kelly Svoboda, who was a unanimous decision as the tournament's top libero. She had seven digs on the afternoon, but did not have many opportunities due to the offensive errors of Bucknell.
The Bulls now head down south, as they will play in the Georgia State tournament next week. The Bulls open with Davidson on Friday at 5:00 pm.
