WASHINGTON, D.C. - Binghamton volleyball closed out the Georgetown Invitational in style, sweeping Rider by a score of 25-16, 25-20, 25-15 Saturday morning. The Bearcats (7-2) went 2-1 on the weekend and have now won six of their last seven contests.

"We knew going into this weekend it was going to be long and tough," head coach Allie Yaeger said. "Our main goal this week at practice was to focus on our defense. I was very proud of the way we were able to showcase that over the last two days. Our back row did a great job keeping balls alive and creating opportunities for our hitters. Lottie did a great job distributing the ball to everyone. We continue to learn and get better every time we step on the floor." 

Junior outside hitter Tsvetelina Ilieva and freshman opposite hitter Giulia Bonifacio led a strong hitting effort, contributing 12 and 10 kills respectively. BU had a season-high .352 hitting percentage on the day and had 12 blocks to Rider's (2-7) two.

Binghamton held a comfortable lead throughout all three sets. A key 5-0 run early in the first set gave the Bearcats a 13-6 edge and they did not look back. The team did not commit a single error in the frame and ended it with a kill by Ilieva to win 25-16.

Another strong early start for BU helped carry the team to a second set win. Despite a comeback bid by the Broncs, who scored six of the final eight points of the set, a combo block by Stephanie Gatto and Bonifacio sealed the deal to create a 2-0 lead.

Binghamton cruised to victory in the third set, as the final tie score of the match was at 6-6 early on. From there, the Bearcats outscored the Broncs 19-9 on secured the win. The match ended on a kill by Ilieva.

Lottie Scully handed out 26 assists to lead Binghamton, and Madison Konopka added 16 digs. Anna Sprys had a solo block six block assists. Ilieva and Bonifacio made the All-Tournament team.

The Bearcats close out tournament at West Virginia Thursday and Friday. They take on Delaware State and hosts Mountaineers Thursday and finish with Merrimack Friday.