EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Binghamton volleyball team helped Head Volleyball Coach Allie Yaeger reach a major milestone as the Bearcats defeated Southern Illinois Edwardsville 3-1 during the Kathy DeBoer Invitational Friday at Jenison Field House. The victory gave Yaeger her 200th career win as a head coach.
 
The Bearcats took down the Cougars 25-20, 25-12, 23-25 and 25-16. Merima Smajlovic set a new career high in kills with 21 to along with 13 digs. Viktoria Dimitrova added 11 kills, and Eve Roman recorded a career-high 10 digs.
 
Yaeger has won 56 matches in just over three seasons guiding the Binghamton program. She previously won 144 matches at Seton Hall from 2012-21.
 
"This accomplishment is all about the players that have believed in the culture and the process," said Yaeger. "My current and former players have all contributed to this, and I thank them with all my heart. This would not be possible without their hard work and dedication. I am honored to get this win as a Bearcat. I would not want to be any place else. I want to give a huge thank you to my administration for trusting me with this program and believing in my vision. I remember my 100th win, and I will never forget this one, on this day, with this group of players."
 
After having its three-match winning streak snapped against Michigan State on Thursday, Binghamton had its sights set on getting back into the win column. In the first set, the Bearcats jumped out to a 12-4 lead. The Cougars fought back to bring it to a 19-16 deficit, but Binghamton responded with a 5-1 run before Briana Binagi recorded the final kill of the frame to give the Bearcats the opening set.
 
The Bearcats dominated the second set, hitting .462 as a team. Smajlovic followed her seven kills in the first set with eight in the second, while Selestine Liu Asomua picked up two service aces, allowing Binghamton to win the frame and increase its lead to 2-0.
 
The Cougars responded by going back and forth with the Bearcats in the third set. SIUE went up 11-7 before Binghamton scored the next four points to tie the set. Then, the Cougars went on a 4-1 run, before the Bearcats answered back with a 5-1 run to go ahead 17-16. While Binghamton would eventually hold a 22-20 lead, the Cougars closed out the set with a 5-1 run to win it and stay in the match.
 
To start the fourth set, both teams traded a pair of 3-0 runs, bringing themselves to a 6-6 tie. After that, Binghamton pulled ahead with an 11-4 run to grab a 17-10 lead. SIUE was unable to complete a rally this time, as the Bearcats ultimately took home the set and the match.
 
Binghamton closes out its appearance in East Lansing by playing Bowling Green on Saturday at 3 p.m.
 
Hinman, Howard & Katell, LLP is the presenting sponsor of Bearcats Volleyball.