November 14, 2009

Bulls Fall In Final Regular Season Match, 3-1

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo volleyball team fell in its final regular season match on Saturday night, as it lost to Toledo, 3-1, at Alumni Arena. The Bulls finish the regular season at 15-15 and 5-11 in the MAC as they head into the Mid-American Conference Tournament.

The Rockets took the match 25-20, 25-16, 19-25, 25-18 as they hit .207, opposed to UB's .128. The Bulls got down early in multiple sets and although they were able to fight back in each set, the Bulls ran out of energy in forcing a comeback.

"I thought we gave a better effort tonight than we had the past few matches, but when you can't match that with execution, you are still going to fall short," said head coach Todd Kress. "I am disappointed for our seniors, but at the same time we have to get right back to work because everyone starts the MAC Tournament with a clean slate. No matter who we play, we will be ready come Tuesday."

The Bulls were led by 12 kills from senior Dani Silvers, who was one of four seniors playing in her final match at Alumni Arena. Junior Kristin Bignell added 10 kills and seven total blocks, while junior Marisa Hornbaker added eight kills and just one error on 32 attempts, while also recording three service aces. JuniorLindsey Schlegel had three kills, 36 assists and nine digs, while freshman Tori Beckmanhad 20 digs on the night, putting her over 500 digs on the season. Sophomore Abby Niekamp had seven total blocks on the night.

Toledo had three players in double figures in kills, led by 12 from Sarah Wilson and 10 from Amber DeWeerdt and 10 from Liz Sundburg. Kassie Kadera had 45 assists, while Katie Westerfeld added 20 digs.

Prior to the match, UB honored its senior class of Silvers, Maria Mezzadri, Lauren Fensten and Ellen Robertson.

The Bulls will now hit the road for the 2009 Mid-American Conference Tournament. The Bulls wiil face Kent State for a first-round match on Tuesday night.