Opening with 19 consecutive games on the road, the Binghamton volleyball team has just enjoyed six straight conference matches at home. That home stretch ends this weekend, as the Bearcats (8-17, 6-3 America East) travel to take on both Stony Brook and Hartford.
“I feel like they have come around a little bit as a team,” BU head coach Glenn Kiriyama said. “They’ve been working hard and I know they have improved a lot in a lot of aspects of the game, so it is just starting to come together.”
Binghamton will look to rebound from its most recent loss against AE leader New Hampshire. With a chance to move into a tie for the conference lead against UNH, the Bearcats came out flat, dropping their first two sets. Though they responded by winning the third, the Bearcats ultimately fell short in their last home game of the season.
“It is disappointing but they know that New Hampshire is a solid team,” Kiriyama said. “They are the defending champions. We knew they’re a very good team … We wish we could have played a little bit better.”
Aside from its last loss, Binghamton had a strong home stand. Winning four out of six, the Bearcats placed themselves in prime position to qualify for the postseason conference tournament, which it missed a season ago.
“We knew this home stand was important,” Kiriyama said. “Going on the road in conference is tough. It was good to see them play with a lot of confidence, a lot of energy and come out with some victories.”
One crucial factor in the Bearcats’ success has been sophomore outside hitter Allison Hovie. Hovie, who garnered America East Player of the Week honors on Oct. 20, has been paramount to the Bearcat offense this season. Her average of 3.24 kills per set currently ranks second in the AE.
“Allison Hovie has been pretty consistent for us outside,” Kiriyama said. “She has gotten better for us throughout the year, just her confidence and her ability to score points for us.”
Binghamton already faced both the Hawks and the Seawolves in the West Gym this season, so the team hopes to keep this weekend free of surprises. BU opened its home slate against Hartford, committing 29 kill errors while blowing a 2-1 set advantage to fall to the Hawks in five. The results against Stony Brook were more positive for the Bearcats, who dominated the Seawolves offensively with three different players recording double-digit kill totals. BU came out victorious in four sets.
While the Bearcats have experience against both of these opponents, Kiriyama believes that they may pose more of a threat to BU away from home.
“They’re tough on the road,” Kiriyama said. “Both venues are tough to play at. We need to get a little more consistent with our ball control and we have to execute a little bit better at the end of games.”
Binghamton is set to return to action tonight against Stony Brook. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Pritchard Gymnasium.