VESTAL, N.Y.- The Binghamton volleyball team returns home for an America East contest this Friday. The Bearcats host UMass Lowell on Friday, October 16, at 7 p.m. in the West Gym. The match will mark BU's 'You Can Play' game, as well as the team's 'Dig Pink' night.

Binghamton (4-15, 1-4 AE) is coming off two conference losses this past weekend at Stony Brook and UMBC. In the match against Stony Brook on Friday, Binghamton went on an 11-1 run in the first set after a sluggish start. In spite of the run, the Bearcats would go on to drop the frame and ultimately the match, 3-1. Erin Shultz led the team in kills with ten, and Sarah Ngo contributed 30 assists. Binghamton then played at UMBC on Sunday. Freshman Gabby Alicea recorded a career-high 20.5 points in the 3-1 loss. Alicea tallied 16 kills, along with 3 aces and 3 blocks.

Junior Bailey Walker leads the team in digs with an average of 4.67 per set, leading the America East. Sophomore Sarah Ngo leads the squad with ten assists per set, ranking second in the conference.

UMass Lowell sports a 4-16 record with a 1-4 record in conference play. Coming off a 3-0 defeat on Sunday, the River Hawks have won two of their last 5 matches, with their lone conference win coming against Hartford in a five-set match. Haley Shimon leads the team in points with 175, followed by Lade Adeniyi with 168 points. Alexa Toth leads the squad in assists with 4.68 per set and freshman Lindsey Visvardis leads the team in digs with 4.53 per set, ranking second in the America East.

In the young history of the series, the Bearcats have a 4-0 record all-time against the River Hawks.

From the 'You Can Play' Project website, "You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation. You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team's success. You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete's skills, work ethic and competitive spirit."

The America East has worked with the project since 2012. Each school in the conference is hosting at least one contest this fall to promote the initiative.

From the 'Dig Pink' website, "Dig Pink® is the name of the Side-Out Foundation's national October breast cancer rally. A Dig Pink® event can be organized at the local, county, city or state level, and it is supported by college and middle/high school volleyball coaches and teams as well as club coaches and teams. All proceeds benefit the Side-Out Foundation, which in turn awards grants to medical research organizations and entities dedicated to providing patient services to breast cancer patients and their families."