VESTAL, N.Y. – After going five sets in back-to-back matches, Binghamton volleyball (6-3) took care of business with a strong performance against New Haven (1-7), winning in straight sets 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 to go 3-0 at the Bearcat Classic and improve to six straight wins, their best streak since 2024.
Viktoria Dimitrova led the team with 16 kills, with
Francesca Pierdonati adding seven on a .462 hitting percentage, while also tallying three of Binghamton's five service aces.
Regan Kadel provided 24 assists, and
Hannah Olmstead led the defensive front with eight blocks, while
Maya Coblentz-Brown tied her career high with six.
Celeste Ocampo and
Briana Binagi also combined for 26 digs in the Bearcats' three-set victory.
"We're growing after every weekend that comes along with us right now," head coach
Allie Yaeger stated. "Ever since opening weekend and into last weekend, I do think we're playing our best volleyball."
Binghamton took control of the first set by smashing a .353 hitting percentage and out blocking the Chargers 5-0. New Haven kept the set close and was able to tie the score at 17. From there, Dimitrova turned on the gas by providing three consecutive kills and helped the Bearcats go on a 7-1 run to close out the first set.
To begin the second set, Binghamton took a 7-4 lead after three straight attacking errors by the Chargers. New Haven was able to recollect themselves and put together a string of kills, leading them to flip the score on Binghamton and lead 19-16. Even though the Chargers made it difficult, the Bearcats were able to persevere by taking five of the next six points to reestablish their lead. New Haven continued to beat themselves with their 11th and 12th attacking errors of the set, allowing Binghamton to capitalize on the opportunity and take the second set 25-22.
Pierdonati got the Bearcats rolling with service aces in the early stages of the third set to make it 7-3. From there, Binghamton remained in control of the third set by maintaining a lead for the rest of the match and securing a strong 25-21 victory over the Chargers.
After the final match of invitational, Dimitrova, and Ocampo were named to the Bearcat Classic's All-Tournament Team, with Dimitrova being chosen as the Most Valuable Player. Below is the full all-tournament team:
2026 Bearcat Classic All-Tournament Team
- Binghamton (MVP): Viktoria Dimitrova
- Binghamton: Maya Coblentz-Brown
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Binghamton: Celeste Ocampo
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Cornell: Sara Pomar
- Cornell: Ava Bogan
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New Haven: Marley Alefaio
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Temple: Olivia Hummel
Binghamton travels to Hanover, N.H., for a three-day tournament hosted by Dartmouth, beginning next Friday, Sept. 18, against the host school at 3 p.m. The Bearcats will then take on Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. and will close out the weekend against Quinnipiac on Sunday, Sept. 20 at noon.
Hinman, Howard & Katell, LLP is the presenting sponsor of Bearcats Volleyball.
