The Binghamton University volleyball team (3-10) has continued to falter this preseason. The 2005 America East champions had posted a 6-7 record at this time last year, but have been slow to come around in 2006, facing challenging competition and dealing with lineup changes.
“It has been tough getting the chemistry back during preseason,” said junior right side hitter Kathleen Schauer. “Everyone is in new positions and we need to remember to keep communicating.”
The team was able to come away victorious in only one of three matches at this weekend’s Cornell Invitational, despite a strong team showing.
The Bearcats kicked off the tournament on Friday against American University, the defending Patriot League champions. Sophomore libero Jaclyn Strader scrambled for 13 digs and Schauer added 11 kills, but it was no match for the Eagles (7-6), who came out swinging. Rubena Sukaj and Elizabeth Maloney slammed down 20 kills each for American, leading AU to a 3-1 victory, the scores being 30-24, 30-24, 27-30 and 30-26.
The Bearcats split their contests on Saturday, first toppling a very evenly matched SUNY Buffalo (10-4) in a five set match, 30-28, 22-30, 30-28, 25-30 and 15-12. The Bearcats were a force at the net, as senior middle blocker Megan Hoag and Schauer led the team with 14 kills apiece. Junior middle blocker Jacki Kane finished with 13 kills and senior setter Ashley Meffert had 48 assists. Buffalo’s attack was led by Jenna Hape’s 19 kills and 12 digs.
In the final match, St. John’s jump serve and defense proved to be too much for the Bearcats to handle. BU was swept by the Red Storm (14-1), falling 30-20, 30-24 and 30-28. St. John’s accumulated an impressive 53 digs and was led offensively by Caitlin Rimgaila’s 16 kills. Kane had 11 kills in the loss.
“St. John’s had a really great jump serve,” Schauer said. “Once one ball drops, the other team gets momentum and it’s difficult to come back from that.”
The team will travel to Siena on Wednesday to take on the defending Metro Atlantic Athletic conference champion Saints in a regionally broadcast game.
Though the preseason has been a difficult one, it has been good preparation for the rapidly approaching conference games.
“There is a significant difference in our team every weekend,” Schauer said. “On a weekly basis we improve a ton, and will continue to do so.”