The Binghamton volleyball team fell to Hartford in four sets to open America East play Friday evening in Vestal. The Bearcats (0-14 overall, 0-1 America East) showed resilience, but fell 22-25, 24-26, 25-17, 18-25.

Victoria Keghlian was second on the team with 12 kills on just 20 attempts, which was good enough for a .550 hitting percentage. She seemed to be all over the court, and sparked a run over the second and third sets to bring the team back into the match.

Francela Ulate also had 14 kills on the evening, while the Bearcat defense showed its teeth. Tyra Wilson and Kiara Adams led the way with five and four blocks respectively.

The first set saw the Hawks take an early lead, before Binghamton attempted to climb back in it. An 11-3 deficit quickly became 15-13, and it was soon tied up at 20, but Hartford scored five of the final seven points of the frame to take an important opening set.

The Bearcats started strong in the second, mounting a 12-5 lead, but a Hartford timeout sparked a rally that narrowed the deficit to one point. Binghamton extended the lead to six points once again, but the Hawks dominated the final part of the set to take it, 26-24.

Determined to put the next set away, the Bearcats dominated the third frame. With a wide lead early, the closest Binghamton would let Hartford get to them was four points, and a five-point outburst all but ended Hartford's hopes of a sweep.

The Hawks did end up taking the final set 25-18 to come away with the victory. The Bearcats fought to stay in it, but a slow start ultimately cost the team a chance at the win.

Binghamton comes back Sunday for a home match against defending America East champion Stony Brook.