The Bison women’s volleyball team went 0-2 in its first home weekend of Patriot League play. With Davis Gym packed with Bison fans, the Orange and Blue competed against Navy and American, teams ranked third and first, respectively, in the Patriot League Preseason Poll. After two losses, the Bison’s record dropped to 5-8 with a 0-2 start in the Patriot League.

Against Navy, the Bison lost its league opener 3-1 (25-19, 23-25, 25-20, 25-14). Mimi Richards ’20 and Bridgette Holland ’20 continued to be strong performers for the Bison. Richards contributed 14 kills and five blocks, while Holland tallied eight kills and three block assists. Jennie Burke ’22 also added four blocks.

When it comes to blocks, the Bison rank second in the Patriot League, averaging 2.37 per set. Sophie Bullard ’20, Brooke Stark ’20, Blake Buchholz ’19, and Alexa Bonanno ’21 each finished with double-digit digs, collecting 15, 13, 12, and 10, respectively. Charner Ramsey ’21 led the team with 18 assists.

Ultimately, nine Bison service errors proved pivotal as the Mids took advantage to win the match.

Against American, the Bison suffered a 3-0 loss (25-19, 25-19, 25-18). Richards led the way for the Bison with 12 kills and a .364 hitting percentage. She earned her 274th career block after contributing one block against the Eagles. Richards is expected to join the top five leading blockers in program history before the start of her senior year.

“We opened with two of the strongest teams in the Patriot League and had a strong opening weekend. We didn’t win, but we grew as team,” Richards said. “If we keep growing and pushing, we will have a successful season.”

Ramsey started at setter and finished with a career-high 26 assists. Anna Carroll ’21 also joined the starting lineup and finished with 12 digs. Bullard finished with 11 kills and nine digs.

“We did a really good job of staying focused and patient. Even though both games were tough losses, we walked away hungry to get better and excited to take on the rest of the Patriot League,” Ramsey said.

The Orange and Blue will play on the road this weekend as they take on the Holy Cross Crusaders on Sept. 28 and the Colgate Raiders on Sept. 29.