Over the weekend, Bucknell Women’s Volleyball traveled to Vestal, N.Y. for the two-day Bearcat Classic, facing off against Toledo, Merrimack and Binghamton. The Bison went 2-1, defeating Merrimack and Binghamton but falling to Toledo.

On Friday, Aug. 30, the Bison played Toledo first and Merrimack second. Toledo won 3-1, after coming out to an early 4-2 lead. Throughout the first set, the two teams traded points back and forth until the score was 20-20. Bucknell let up a 5-0 run, ending the first set. 

In the second set, Toledo again came out strong with an 8-2 start. Despite the early deficit, the Bison crept back until it was 15-15. Ultimately, with a final kill from Bri Frazilus ’26, the set ended 25-21, favoring Bucknell. 

Toledo dominated the third set and went on to win it 25-15. In the final set, the game was action-packed. Points were close, and neither team had more than a three-point advantage. The Bison were able to grab a 22-20 lead before Toledo’s 5-1 run to end the game. 

During this game, Frazilus led the team with 14 kills, and Cameron Lloyd ’27 had 12 digs. 

In the second game of the day, Bucknell turned their play around and defeated Merrimack 3-0. 

The first set began close at 5-5 before the Bison went on a 20-7 run. The Orange and Blue used a 7-0 stretch to pull away and never allowed Merrimack to recover.

In the second set, Bucknell came out with a 4-0 lead but allowed Merrimack to tie it up at 14-14. After a timeout, the Bison went on an 11-4 run to end the set 25-18. 

Starting the third set, the Bison were down 13-9. However, they clawed back via a 12-0 run to take back control of the game. Ultimately, Bucknell won the set 25-18. 

Frazilus earned 11 kills and all three Bison rookies, Emily Kearney ’28, Sarah Hilliard ’28 and Bella Rodriguez ’28, made their college debuts. 

On Saturday, Aug. 31st, Bucknell swept Binghamton 3-0. 

Tijana Kostic ’26 led the Bison with 11 kills and 11 digs, Jordan Hardy ’25 collected 17 digs, Caleigh O’Connell ’26 earned 28 assists and Rodriguez added three service aces. 

Bucknell led in all three sets and remained in control through it all. The Bison won the first set 25-21, clinched the second 25-16 and overpowered the third 25-14. 

After the weekend concluded, Kostic and Shaffer both received All-Tournament Team honors. 

Next weekend, Sept. 6th, the Bison will head to the Tribe Invitational hosted by William & Mary.