The Bison women’s volleyball team faced the Loyola Greyhounds and the Army Black Knights on Oct. 13-14. On Oct. 13, the Bison lost 3-1 to Loyola, and fell to Army 3-2 the next day. Following this weekend’s performance, the Orange and Blue dropped to 6-13 overall and 1-7 in the Patriot League.

The Bison started strong against Loyola with a 25-12 win in the first set, but went on to lose the last three sets 25-16, 25-21, and 25-11, respectively. Bridgette Holland ’20 led the team with seven kills, a .500 hitting percentage, and two blocks. Meanwhile Jennie Burke ’22, Mimi Richards ’20, Sophie Bullard ’20, and Delanie Lewis ’21 each contributed six kills. Blake Buchholz ’19 dominated in the first set win with four kills and two digs. Richards also contributed a team-high three block assists in the match.

The Bison put up a stronger fight against the Black Knights, taking the match to five sets (25-17, 18-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-17). Faced with the challenge of winning by two points, the Bison came up just short in the final set after holding a 15-14 lead. The Black Knights scored the final three points to clinch the match 15-17.

In set two, Buchholz led the way with three kills, three digs, and two block assists. In set three, Buchholz, Holland, Burke, and Bullard contributed two kills apiece. Buchholz and Holland also added two blocks.

Defensively, the Orange and Blue stood its ground with five players finishing with at least nine digs. As a team, the Bison finished with 14 total blocks. Bullard finished with a double-double, and a team-high 12 kills.

Holland was a key contributor on the court with two solo and five block assists, while also contributing 10 kills. Richards displayed an impressive performance with one solo and five block assists, adding 13 kills.

“We have finally started to figure out things that are working and clicking with the team. Yesterday’s game against Army was so fun and competitive and now we know our true potential as a team,” Lewis said. “We are super excited to get back into the gym to work harder and smarter and come out on top when we go up against these same teams the second time around.”

The Bison will be back on the road this upcoming weekend for Patriot League play as they take on Navy on Oct. 20 and the American Eagles on Oct. 21.

“This past weekend went well, especially against Army. Even though we lost, we played well and lost by two points in a five set match. I’m excited to see these teams again in the second half of Patriot League play,” said Holland.