VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton volleyball hits the road for the first time this season, as the team will battle it out at a weekend tournament at Central Connecticut State. The Bearcats face host Blue Devils Friday and Columbia and St. Peter's Saturday afternoon.

BU is coming off a 2-1 opening weekend. A five-set win over Maryland Eastern Shore and a sweep of Siena sandwiched a loss to ACC member Boston College.
 

Binghamton Bearcats vs. Central Connecticut State
Date | Time: Friday, September 2 | 4 p.m.
Location: New Britain, Conn.
Watch: NEC Front Row
Twitter Updates: @Binghamton_VB
Live Stats: Here
 

Bearcat Brief

• BU was led by Tsvetelina Ilieva offensively, as she had 35 kills over the three matches. The junior transfer had 16 in the win over Maryland Eastern Shore.

• Freshman Giulia Bonifacio followed suit with 28 kills of her own. The Alba, Italy native was very efficient, recording a hitting percentage of .333 over the course of the tournament. Ilieva and Bonifacio were named to the All-Tournament Team.

• Junior middle blocker Stephanie Gatto led a defensive charge with 15 block assists. The team had a total of 26 blocks to its opponents 18.

• In her collegiate debut, libero Madison Konopka recorded 20 digs. Lottie Scully also impressed in her first weekend of competition. She contributed 46 assists and 23 digs.

Scouting the Blue Devils

• Central Connecticut State is 1-2 to start the season, with its lone win coming in three sets over Holy Cross. The Blue Devils fell to BIG EAST opponent Providence (3-1) and MAAC foe Iona.

• The team boasts a balanced lineup, with three players totaling 20 or more kills thus far. 

• Like BU, Central Connecticut State has dominated the net in the early going. Junior opposite hitter Isabelle Roufs has 17 blocks (four solo) and sophomore Mia Lombardo has 10.

• Sophomore Rachel Picha has 58 digs, including a 32-dig performance against Providence.

Binghamton Bearcats vs. Columbia
Date | Time: Saturday, September 3 | 1:30 p.m.
Location: New Britain, Conn.
Watch: NEC Front Row
Twitter Updates: @Binghamton_VB
 

About the Lions

• Columbia is seeing its first action of the 2022 season. The team finished with a 5-19 overall record in 2021, including wins over Iona and St. Francis Brooklyn at its home tournament to start the year.

• Senior outside hitter Noelle Foster returns as an offensive weapon for the Lions. She recorded double digit kills in all but five matches, including three performances with 20 or more kills.

• Sophomore setter Cadence Gronski handed out 453 assists in just 13 matches played in 2021. She had 40 or more assists in seven matches and enters as the team's primary setter.

• Senior defensive specialist Vanessa Pan excelled on the serve last season, contributing 35 aces. She had at least one ace in all of the team's final 10 matches.
   

Binghamton Bearcats vs. St. Peters
Date | Time: Saturday, September 3 | 4 p.m.
Location: New Britain, Conn.
Watch: NEC Front Row
Twitter Updates: @Binghamton_VB
 

St. Peter's looking for first win

• The Peacocks are seeking their first win in 2022 after falling in three matches over the weekend and dropping a mid-week match to NJIT.

• Freshman Lillian Konrad has been a bright spot on offense. She has handed out 72 assists.

• Four Peacocks have 20 or more digs, three of which have 25. Elena Bilhartz leads the way with eight blocks.

• St. Peter's fell to BU in three sets in 2021. It was the first ever matchup between the two sides.
   

Up Next 

Binghamton will hit the road for another three-match tournament next weekend. It will take on George Washington and Georgetown Friday and Rider Saturday.