The fans have been coming out to cheer on the Bearcats, and the team has responded for the 13th time in a row.

The Binghamton volleyball team (12-15, 6-2 AE) extended its home winning streak to 13 games last Wednesday with a win over Colgate (12-12). This home winning streak sets a Binghamton record. Binghamton swept Colgate in three consecutive sets, scoring 30-21, 30-26, 30-28 in the non-conference match.

“When we’re on the home court, we really get the energy from the home crowd,” Jacki Kane, junior middle hitter, said. “It makes us really want to win one for the fans.”

The Red Raiders responded after being blown out in the first set. The second set featured nine tied scores and three lead changes, and the Bearcats almost blew the third set, until a Colgate attack error cut their comeback short.

Junior outside hitter Kathleen Schauer recorded 12 kills and helped lead the Bearcats offense along with senior setter Ashley Meffert, who racked up 36 assists. As for the defense, sophomore libero Jaclyn Strader and sophomore defensive specialist Katherine Courage contributed with 13 and 11 digs, respectively. The only real force for Colgate was Katrina Zawojski, who had 13 kills, tops for the match.

The Bearcats look strong for their upcoming games, all of which are against conference rivals. As of Monday night, the Bearcats are leading the America East Conference.

“When you’re winning, people have a fear of you, and it gives you extra confidence,” said sophomore outside hitter Ashley Allen. “But you know everyone’s out to get you. Luckily, we love the competition. It makes us play harder and better to know that we’re the team to beat.”

The Bearcats can attribute their excellent play to the fans, who have not disappointed yet. Over 100 fans came out last Wednesday to cheer their team to the sweep.

“You want to perform well in front of your friends and family,” Kane said, “so it gets you really pumped up and excited. We’ve been having good turnouts, and it makes us want to do our job more out there.”