This past weekend the Bison volleyball team traveled to Youngstown, Ohio to compete in the Youngstown Invitational, collecting two wins and one loss throughout the two days of competition.

On Aug. 30, the Orange and Blue competed against The Citadel, winning three of four sets (25-15, 16-25, 25-16, 26-24) to take the victory. With the Bison and the Bulldogs tied at 24 in the fourth set, Mimi Richards ’20 first collected a key block and then a kill to clinch the match for the Bison. Richards recorded a game-high 12 kills, with Bridgette Holland ’20 following close behind with 11 kills.

Sophie Bullard ’20 and Brooke Stark ’20 also led the team in digs, with 16 and 13, respectively. Kelsey O’Loughlin ’23 displayed a strong debut, leading the team with 33 assists.

Captain Selby Schnobrich ’20 recognized O’Loughlin’s standout performance.

“She was a strong, consistent force on the court throughout the tournament,” Schnobrich said. 

Following The Citadel, the Bison faced Youngstown State, who took advantage of playing on their home court. The Bison fell in four sets, unable to pull out a victory. Anna Carroll ’21 added 13 kills while Bullard contributed 12 kills to pace the attack. O’Loughlin had another impactful performance, leading the team in assists, digs, and aces.

“I’m so fortunate to play with all of the girls on the team and to play for such great coaches. Bucknell is the best place to be and the best school to play for,” O’Loughlin said. 

On Aug. 31, the Bison finished their opening weekend with a win against Saint Francis University. En route to the sweep, the Bison started fast, winning the first set after subsequent kills by O’Loughlin and Lisa Zoch ’23. Holland and Richards led the team in kills, while O’Loughlin tallied 38 assists. Stark and Bullard led the team in digs in the closer.

The Bison will look to bring another strong performance to their home tournament this weekend, where they will face Saint Peter’s, Siena, and St. Francis Brooklyn.