Last year, the Maine Black Bears were confronted by 680 screaming Binghamton volleyball fans as they walked into the West Gym. Tonight at 6 p.m., the Black Bears (4-14, 2-3 AE) will try to block those cheers out and put an end to the Bearcats’ (9-14, 4-1 AE) 10-game home winning streak.

The two teams met three times in the 2005 season, with each team notching home victories. BU then took out Maine in a 3-1 set in the first round of the America East Conference championship at Albany. Maine ultimately finished third in the conference and the Bearcats won it all.

Maine is barely the same team it was last year. After saying goodbye to several seniors, the Black Bears are now a young group of freshmen and sophomores, and their inexperience is showing. Maine is now ranked sixth in the conference, in front of only Hartford in the standings. Sophomore outside hitter Lindsay Allman, who was named to the America East All-Rookie Team in 2005, has been carrying the team this season.

“I think they are going to be a tough team still,” said sophomore Ashley Allen. “Maine can take a game away at any time. Also, they always play hard against us.”

Binghamton has another home game on Sunday at 2 p.m. against Hartford. The Hawks (7-11, 0-5 AE) will look to earn their first victory of the season against a tough Bearcat squad. Binghamton has swept Hartford in their three previous matches, including once earlier this season.

The Bearcats can expect heavy competition from Hartford junior outside hitter Jennifer Monroy, who has continued to build on a stellar sophomore season. Monroy finished the 2005 season fifth in the conference in kills and is carrying that excellence over to her 2006 play. Senior middle blocker Teri Connolly will also be an offensive powerhouse for Hartford, as well as a leader on the court for her team.

The Bearcats are undefeated so far in three home matches this season.

“Knowing that we have been doing so well at home has given the team confidence,” said senior setter Ashley Meffert. “We are always excited to come home and prove ourselves.”

Come cheer on your Bearcats on both today at 6 p.m. against Maine and Sunday at 2 p.m. against Hartford in the West Gym.