Battling back from a 2-1 deficit, Stony Brook defeated the Binghamton volleyball team in five sets Friday night at the West Gym.
The Seawolves (9-11, 3-1 America East) captured a tight fourth set, 25-22, and never looked back, easily defeating the Bearcats (3-14, 1-3 AE) in the fifth, 15-6. Binghamton has now lost six of its last seven matches.
Senior hitter and captain Grace Vickers said she was proud of the way that the team competed.
“I mean whenever we play Stony Brook it’s always a battle, but I think all of the girls came out and played really hard, we just had a few more errors than they did,” she said. “I think that if we clean those up will have a good chance against them next time.”
The score was tied 8-8 early in the first set. However, after back-to-back service errors by Bearcats senior Xiomara Ortiz and freshmen Kelly Leach, the Seawolves pulled away for a 25-16 win.
From that point on, the Bearcats raised their level of play. Binghamton jumped out to an early 15-9 lead in the second set. Stony Brook battled back, tying the score at 16, 18 and 20, but the Bearcats regained the momentum and won the set, 25-23.
“I thought everyone picked it up a bit more,” BU head coach Glenn Kiriyama said of his team’s effort in the second set. “Our passing and hitting both really picked up”.
The teams battled to a 14-14 tie in the third set before Binghamton, led by Vickers, went on an 11-5 run to capture the set, 25-19.
But then the Seawolves rallied for consecutive set victories to steal the match. The Bearcats have an opportunity to bounce back right away, as they’re set to face UMBC Saturday afternoon.
“It’s difficult on your body having two games in a row but having the chance to get back in here in less than 24 hours is really awesome,” Vickers said. “UMBC is going to be another battle.”
Kiriyama said he’s also excited for the game tomorrow.
“We’re trying to redeem ourselves,” he said. “We’re always looking forward to another home match.”
First serve against UMBC is set for 4 p.m. Saturday in the West Gym.