VESTAL, N.Y.- The Binghamton Volleyball team finished their season on a strong note, splitting a doubleheader with Stony Brook Sunday at the West Gym in Vestal. The Bearcats dropped the first match in three sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, before sweeping the nightcap 25-23, 26-24, 25-19 for their first victory of the season.
 
"First off,  I am grateful that we were able to play today," head coach Glenn Kiriyama said. "The team has been able to shake off all the distractions throughout the season. They have steadily improved and gave an outstanding performance this afternoon. Kiara did a nice job setting and feeding our outsides, Stefana and Francela."
 
In the second match, Binghamton was led by aforementioned Francela Ulate and Stefana Stan, as well as Anna Sprys. Ulate and Stan each recorded 15 kills, while Sprys totalled 11 kills on a .588 hitting percentage, the third-highest single match total in the conference this year. Kiara Adams also handed out 36 assists.
 
In the opening set, Stan and Ulate each tallied 5 kills to lead Binghamton. The Bearcats built a 19-12 lead after two straight aces by Stephanie Gatto. The Seawolves rallied to tie the set at 23, but Stan and Gatto had back-to-back kills, helping Binghamton take the opening set.
 
Binghamton held a 16-11 lead in the second set, but Stony Brook responded to tie it up at 16.
The teams traded points, and remained even at 24-24 until a kill by Sprys and a block by Kiara Adams gave the Bearcats a two set advantage.
  
BU completed the sweep in the third by scoring seven of the last nine points, highlighted by a combination block from Sprys and Stan to complete the victory. Ulate had six kills, and Sprys had five kills to lead the Bearcats in the final frame.  
 
In the morning match, Ulate led the Bearcats with 10 kills, while Stefana Stan added nine. Tyra Wilson contributed three service aces and three blocks. Kiara Adams returned to the lineup and handed out 27 assists.
 
Trailing 16-9 in the opening set, the Bearcats put together a five point scoring run behind an ace by Wilson and two Stephanie Gatto kills. Stony Brook responded by winning six of the next eight points to take the set.
 
In a back-and-forth second set that included seven lead changes, the Seawolves managed to break out and hold a 24-20 advantage.The Bearcats reduced the deficit to one with three consecutive points, but Stony Brook was able to close out the set.
 
Ulate's seven kills in the third set weren't enough for the Bearcats, as the Seawolves held on for the match victory despite a furious Binghamton comeback near the end of the frame.
 
In a pre-game ceremony, seniors Stephanie Andruskova, Elizabeth Kaner, and Francela Ulate were celebrated for their contributions to the program.