The Binghamton volleyball team dropped an America East contest to the University at Albany Friday night in the West Gym. The Bearcats fell in straight sets 25-22, 25-15, 25-18.

Francela Ulate continued to lead the way for Binghamton, notching 12 kills and adding two more service aces. Anna Sprys added five kills on a .333 hitting percentage and registered two blocks.

Defensively, Kim Lavender played one of her strongest games of the year, collecting 15 digs and chipping in with three assists.

The Bearcats had strong starts to every set, and hung around for the entirety of the opening frame. The team used a 5-0 run, highlighted by two kills from Ulate to turn an 11-6 deficit into a tie score.

A Ulate service ace followed by two service aces by Lavender gave Binghamton its largest lead at 16-13, but Albany went on a 6-1 run shortly after to jump ahead. A kill by Sprys tied things up once again, but three straight points by Albany propelled the Great Danes to a critical opening set victory.

The second set saw Binghamton stay close early, but another run widened the lead to 11-5 in favor of Albany. Ulate was strong in the frame (four kills), but the Great Danes took control and won, 25-15.

The final set was close, but it seemed as though the Bearcats were trailing the whole way by a narrow margin. Trailing 20-14, Elis Gadelha and Sprys put together back-to-back kills to make it 20-16, but Albany would score five of the last six points to put away the win.

The Bearcats will close out the season Sunday at 1 p.m. against UMBC. The team will celebrate the playing careers of seniors Lavender and Victoria Keghlian prior to the match.