September 12, 2009

Bulls Defeat Penguins To Win Fourth Straight

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo volleyball team won its fourth consecutive match as it completed a two-match sweep of Youngstown State with a 3-0 victory, Saturday afternoon at Alumni Arena. The Bulls have now won 10 straight sets as they improve to 6-3 on the year. The six wins tie UB's win total from last season.

 

The Bulls took the match 27-25, 27-25, 25-19 as UB outhit Youngstown State .239 to .146. The first set was a back and forth affair as their were 13 ties and six lead changes as the Bulls hung on for the win. The Bulls also preserved their lead in the second as they won with an identical 27-25 mark. The third set saw UB have a little more breathing room even though the Penguins did make a couple runs.


"Again I am glad to come out with a three set win on our home court," said head coach Todd Kress. "We knew Youngstown State was going to be better today and they were. I thought we showed some great fight, especially in the first two sets, but we know we have to be better as well. We will continue to work on some things as we continue to get ready for Mid-American Conference play." 

 

The Bulls had a balanced effort as three players had double figures in kills. Dani Silvers led the way with 15 kills, while Marisa Hornbakeradded 13 kills. Junior Kristin Bignell finished with a season-high 10 kills and four total blocks. Kelsey Lueders added seven kills, while UB's other middle, Abby Niekamp finished the day with a match-high five blocks, including one solo.


Buffalo dug the ball extremely well as it racked up 58 as a team. The Bulls were led in that department by freshman Tori Beckman who had a match-high 18 digs. Senior Lauren Fensten and sophomore Heather Pyle each added 10 digs, while Hornbaker and Lindsey Schlegel each had six. Schlegel finished the day with a match-high 40 assists. 

 

The Penguins were led by 11 kills from Ruth Boscaljon and 15 digs from Laurie Shives. Dani Soubliere added 19 assists and eight digs for Youngstown State.

 

The Bulls will be back in action on Tuesday night as they host Syracuse at Alumni Arena. The match is set to begin at 7:00 pm.