Only three games stand between the BU women’s volleyball team and the America East playoffs.

The Bearcats (16-10, 8-1 AE) are locked in a battle for first place in the conference with Albany, and the outcome of this weekend’s games can make or break their standing.

Binghamton will first square off against the Stony Brook Seawolves (9-15, 3-5 AE) tonight at the West Gym at 7 p.m. On Sunday, they will travel to Memorial Gymnasium for what should be a gripping battle against the Maine Black Bears (8-11, 5-3 AE).

“Three games could turn everything around,” said sophomore middle blocker Jacki Kane. “Maine and UMBC are going to come out with their strongest games to solidify their place in the playoffs and Maine wants to get ahead of us.”

The Seawolves will be trying to rebound from a loss to Albany this past weekend when they travel to the West Gym. The Bearcats overpowered Stony Brook 3-1 in their last meeting and are hoping for a similar outcome tonight. If BU can manage to shut down outside hitter Morgan Sweany, who leads the conference in kills per game, they should have no problem.

“We want to go in with no mercy and crush the teams we’re against,” said junior outside hitter Katie Brody. “We’re focusing in on each individual team, and we’re definitely handing it to them.”

Binghamton defeated Maine earlier this season in front of 680 screaming BU students in an exhilarating five-game set. The Black Bears never let up against the Bearcats as their senior middle blocker Shannon Fotter recorded 21 kills and junior setter Shelly Seipp contributed a note-worthy 60 assists. Maine will also have momentum on its side as they are coming off back-to-back three-game sweeps.

“We want to finish [the season] out strong and let people know we’re here and should be recognized,” Brody said. “We know we can walk into the conference tournament and say this is going to be a game.”

Extra Note:

Maine will also face Albany next weekend. The Black Bears have been known to give the Great Danes trouble in the past, and have the best chance of handing Albany its second conference loss this season. If Maine can pull off the upset, BU would earn the No. 1 seed, provided they win its last three games of the season.