CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Binghamton volleyball put up a valiant fight without two all-conference players but the Bearcats (17-9) were defeated 3-0 by BIG EAST member St. John's (20-13) in the first round of the NIVC Friday night at Margot Connell Recreation Center on the campus of Boston College. Binghamton lost 25-19, 25-18, 25-16. It was BU's first national postseason appearance in 10 years and first in the 32-team NIVC event.

The loss ended a record-setting season that saw Binghamton win its first-ever America East regular season title and total more wins than the previous four years combined. 

"Tonight was a tough battle against a very physical and good St. John's team," first-year head coach Allie Yaeger said. "Regardless of the outcome, I am so proud of these players for the season they had. We took a huge step forward this year toward our ultimate goal of putting this program on the map. We talk a lot about the 'L' word ... Legacy. I want these players to leave a legacy and to always remember their time as a Bearcat. We are progressing forward as a program and promise to be back next year ... bigger, stronger, faster and smarter. The future is bright and I already can't wait for next fall."

Against the big-hitting Johnnies, BU battled in each set before the St. John's firepower was too much to contain. St. John's hit .459 for the match (46 kills and only seven errors) and added 13 aces - both opponent highs against the Bearcats this season. 

In the opening set, St. John's raced out to a 15-5 lead before senior middle Anna Sprys led an 11-4 Bearcats run that pulled them within three, 19-16. Sprys had four kills in the set and Binghamton hit .357 to keep it close. But after a kill from junior hitter Tsvetelina Ilieva brought BU to within four, 22-18, the Johnnies closed it out to take a 1-0 lead.

In the second set, BU trailed 18-10 before freshman opposite hitter Giulia Bonifacio put down two kills to spark a 6-1 Bearcat run. Bonifacio's ace brought BU to within three, 19-16, before St. John's closed the set with a 6-2 run. Sprys had four more kills and put down her first seven attacks in the match. But St. John's had five aces in the set and bent but didn't break down the stretch.

In the final set, BU pulled ahead 10-8 after the teams traded blows with six ties and four lead changes early. But the Johnnies countered with a deciding 15-4 run before a pair of late Ilieva kills boosted BU's final score.  

Sprys and Ilieva led the attack with nine kills apiece. Junior setter Jessie Bilello handed out 25 assists and Bonifacio chipped in five kills and four aces. Binghamton played the match without starting setter Lottie Scully and outside hitter Stefana Stan - both all-conference selections out with injuries. 

Binghamton's season superlatives included the most wins in 17 seasons, the best regular-season win percentage (.708) in program history, the fewest losses in 23 years and a plus 10 improvement in wins from a year ago.