Bucknell Volleyball had another week of tough matches, traveling to UNC to compete against the Tar Heels along with Oral Roberts on Friday, Sept. 5, where the Bison went 1-1 for the weekend.
The Bison then challenged the reigning national champion Penn State on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and got swept 3-0 by the Nittany Lions.
On Friday, the Bison took on ACC powerhouse North Carolina. While the Tar Heels dominated the first set 25-11, the Orange and Blue took charge in the second, setting an 11-4 lead. The Tar Heels attempted to close the gap, but the Bison stunned the team with a set-ending block set up by Bri Frazilus ’26 and Riley Tucker ’27, ending the set 25-15. In the third set, UNC conquered a close battle with the Bison, winning 25-20. This set changed momentum for the match, as UNC cleared Bucknell 25-15, taking the overall win.
On Saturday, the Bison stayed in North Carolina to face Oral Roberts, where they stole a 3-1 set victory, the first of the 2025 season. Despite the Golden Eagles’ earning more kills and digs than the Bison, their 32 attack errors were utilized by the Orange and Blue. Frazilus led the Bison in kills with 14 for the whole match, and Tucker followed behind her with six kills and seven blocks. The Bison quickly took the lead in the first set by a score of 25-17. The next set was shaky as Oral Roberts barely clinched the 25 points, with the Bison trailing with 23. However, the Orange and Blue rallied for set three to win 25-13. The Bison then stole the match with a 25-19 win in the fourth set.
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Bison traveled to University Park, Pa. to play reigning national champion Penn State. While they were swept by the Nittany Lions 3-0, Bucknell showed its grit in the three sets by keeping pace with the powerhouse. Tijana Kostic ’26 added nine kills and a .375 hitting percentage, leading the team. The first set was closer for the Bison as they were edged out, 25-19. The second set recorded one of the highest point deficits of the season, as the Bison fell 25-10. However, the Orange and Blue came back once more for the final set, where the team ultimately lost 25-20.
The Bison will be back in action this Friday, Sept. 12 at the Binghamton Invitational.
