VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton volleyball won the first set against in-state rival Colgate Tuesday night, but the Bearcats were ultimately defeated by the Raiders 3-1 at the Events Center.
 
Colgate took the non-conference match 20-25, 25-22, 25-18 and 25-21. Both Viktoria Dimitrova and Merima Smajlovic led Binghamton with 12 kills each. Smajlovic also posted a team-high 17 digs for her ninth double double of the season. Alexandra Koleva, meanwhile, recorded 19 assists for Binghamton. Additionally, Selestine Liu Asomua added a career-high four total blocks in her fifth collegiate match.
 
The Bearcats were unfazed facing the four-time reigning Patriot League champions. Despite losing the first three points in the opening set, Binghamton quickly responded by jumping out to a 5-4 lead, thanks in part to two kills in a row by Smajlovic. The Bearcats built an advantage throughout the frame, leading 16-11 at one point. Colgate fought back to tie the set at 17, but Binghamton retook the lead with another kill by Smajlovic. With Binghamton holding on to a 22-20 lead, Koleva set up the final three kills for Binghamton, with the first one coming from Dimitrova and the final two courtesy of Smajlovic. The Bearcats secured a 1-0 lead in the match.
 
The Bearcats appeared poised to take the second set as well, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the frame. This time, however, Colgate flipped the script by surging back to take a 5-4 lead. Throughout the set, the score was tied on 13 different occasions and the lead changed five times. With the set tied at 20, Colgate scored five of the final seven points to tie the match at one.
 
Colgate harnessed that momentum for the remainder of the contest. The third set would only be tied once at 2-2, before the Raiders pulled ahead with a 7-2 run, ultimately winning the frame 25-18. In the fourth set, Colgate scored the first nine points. Binghamton did not back down, however, as the Bearcats slowly chipped away at the deficit. Binghamton would bring it to 21-19, before Colgate ended the night on a 4-2 run to win the set and the match.
 
The Bearcats continue their stretch of three home matches in a week when they host America East Conference foe UMBC at 6 p.m., on Friday at the Events Center.  Throughout the match, Binghamton will raise awareness against breast cancer as part of its Spread Respect/Dig Pink game. Admission is free on behalf of Hinman, Howard & Katell, LLP.
 
Hinman, Howard & Katell, LLP is the presenting sponsor of Bearcats Volleyball.