The Bison volleyball team traveled to Lehigh on Nov. 2 to take on the Mountain Hawks. Despite numerous strong performances, the Mountain Hawks swept the match with the same three scores, 25-21, in all three sets. The Orange and Blue then went on to defeat Lafayette for the second time this season on Nov. 3, overcoming the Leopards 3-2.

In the game against Lehigh, outside hitter Blake Buchholz ’19 tallied her third double-double of the season with 10 kills and 12 digs. Right side Anna Carroll ’21 had 10 digs, another great double figure performance. Two more stellar performances came from outside hitter Sophie Bullard ’20, who ended the match with nine digs, seven kills, and two blocks, and defensive specialist and setter Alexa Bonanno ’21, who had eight digs and four kills.

With the loss in the past, the Bison turned their focus to their match at Lafayette the following night.

The Orange and Blue fought hard in the five sets, coming out on top against the Leopards. To complete the season sweep, the Bison fell 14-25 in the first set, but came back in the second set to even the match. The Bison maintained their lead for the entirety of set two, only tying with the Leopards twice. The Orange and Blue won the second set, 25-22, with two kills in a row by Bullard and a team effort block by Bonanno and middle blocker Bridgette Holland ’20.

In the third set, the Bison jumped to a lead of 23-19 after an ace by libero Brooke Stark ’20. The Bison had four chances at set point, but fell 35-33 in the third to the Leopards.

This didn’t stop the Bison from bouncing back in the fourth set. The Bison showed resilience and came from behind to win the set 25-19. The Bison clinched the match victory by winning the fifth set, with a dominant all-around performance. Bonanno finished the day with an incredible 50 assists, a career high. Outside hitter Delanie Lewis ’21 had 17 digs and Carroll added five blocks.

“Overall, our team fought hard and remained patient throughout the entire game. We were able to pull together a lot of blocks and big swings at the times we needed it and ultimately won in five games,” Bonanno said. “We look forward to a big weekend of tough competition but are ready to beat both Army and Loyola.”

The Bison brought their overall record to 7-18 and 2-12 in the Patriot League. The Bison will close out the season with matches against Army West Point on Nov. 9 and Loyola on Nov. 10.