WEST POINT, N.Y. – The Binghamton volleyball team went head-to-head with Army on Sunday, but the Bearcats were ultimately defeated 3-1 in the final match of the Black Knight Invitational at Gillis Field House.
All four sets were decided by four points or less, with the teams separated by two in each of the first three. Army prevailed 25-23, 25-27, 25-23 and 25-21.
Maya Coblentz-Brown had a career day for the Bearcats, posting a career-high 21 kills.
Merima Smajlovic, meanwhile, added 14 kills and added a team-high 17 digs.
Binghamton put itself in prime position to win the first set, grabbing a 23-19 lead. But Army responded by scoring six unanswered points to take the frame.
Army then seemed poised to take the second set, with the Black Knights leading 24-23. With their backs against the wall,
Alexandra Koleva set up
Sophia Holland for the set-tying kill. Smajlovic followed that with a kill herself to put the Bearcats ahead 25-24. After Army tied the set at 25, Binghamton responded with another kill by Smajlovic, before an attack error by the Black Knights ultimately gave the Bearcats the frame.
In the third set, the Bearcats held a 22-18 lead looking to grab a 2-1 advantage against the Black Knights. Once again, Army responded with a 6-0 run, giving themselves a 24-22.
Jalia Dublin recorded a kill to bring the Bearcats within one point, Army sealed the set with a kill by Mackenzie Lynch.
Looking to extend this match to a fifth set, Binghamton jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the fourth frame. Army answered back with a 9-2 run, which included scoring six points in a row, to move ahead 13-12. While Binghamton retook the lead at 14-13, Army jumped back ahead, before both teams fought to an 18-18 tie. Army then closed out the match on a 7-3 run to close out the invitational.
The Bearcats return home to host their second tournament of the season, the Binghamton Invitational, from Friday through Saturday. Binghamton will first play Mercyhurst and Canisius at 10 a.m., and 7 p.m., on Friday, before going up against Bucknell on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Hinman, Howard & Katell, LLP is the presenting sponsor of Bearcats Volleyball.
