WEST POINT, N.Y. – The Binghamton volleyball team found the win column for the first time this season as the Bearcats defeated Rider 3-0 Friday at Gillis Field House to open the Black Knight Invitational.
 
Binghamton took down the Broncs 25-23, 25-16 and 25-17. Merima Smajlovic led the Bearcats with 15 kills, while Regan Kadel posted 18 assists. Emily Cronkhite also recorded 12 digs, while Smajlovic added 11.
 
"It is fun to watch this team when we are in system and low-error," said Binghamton Head Volleyball Coach Allie Yaeger. "We played great defense and continued to create opportunities for our hitters. Discipline was big for us today too. We had a game plan and stuck to it."
 
The Bearcats found themselves in a close battle with the Broncs from the start. The two teams found themselves tied at 14 before Binghamton scored the next four points to build a cushion. The Broncs kept within striking distance as the Bearcats looked to claim the first set. With the Bearcats holding on to a 24-23 lead, Kadel set up Sophia Holland with the kill to help Binghamton take home the first set.
 
Set two also seemed to be going down to the wire with both teams fighting to a 12-12 tie. Then, the Bearcats went on a 13-4 run to win the set 25-16. During that stretch, Eleanor Dorritie put up three kills for Binghamton, while Briana Binagi added two, including one to give Binghamton the set-clinching point.
 
While the Bearcats initially went down 4-1 in the third set, Binghamton quickly recovered to move ahead 6-4. Rider then regained the lead and stayed ahead for much of the frame. After Binghamton tied the set at 15, the Bearcats scored 10 of the next 12 points to secure the victory.
 
Binghamton now prepares to face Hofstra for the second time in less than a week. The two teams play each other on Saturday at 6 p.m.
 
Hinman, Howard & Katell, LLP is the presenting sponsor of Bearcats Volleyball.