The UB women's volleyball team took to the road again to face the Toledo Rockets and Northern Illinois Huskies on back-to-back nights this past weekend. In both matches, the team lost all three games to fall to 2-9 for the season and 0-4 in Mid-American Conference play.
The Bulls traveled Friday to Toledo, Ohio, where they dropped a quick contest to the Rockets three games to none. The Rockets beat UB 30-23 in game one, 30-17 in game two, and 30-23 again in game three.
"The team did not show up; we could not do the fundamentals such as passing and service," Head Coach Nadine Lilavois said. "The defense ran smoothly, however there was a lack of mental preparation for the game."
Toledo's squad out-hit the Bulls .235 to a low .054 in the match. With the win, the Rockets stay undefeated at Savage Hall, where they have won five straight matches this season.
The Bulls were led by senior Keri Shiels with seven kills and a match-high 10 digs. Sophomore Alexis Bouie pitched in with seven kills. Fellow sophomore Lindsay Matikosh cashed in with seven kills, nine digs and two service aces. Senior Larissa LaCour contributed six digs and 24 assists. Freshman Molly Schrantz added four kills and six digs coming off the Bulls' bench.
By 7:00 p.m. Saturday, the Bulls were in DeKalb, Ill. to face the Huskies, who promptly defeated them by another 3-0 score. The Huskies dominated the match and won 30-15 in game one, 30-25 in game two, and 30-22 in game three.
"It was a legitimate loss. They were a good team with a fast offense and consistency all around," said Lilavois.
The Bulls' attack was led by sophomore Becky Ashare and her 11 kills on 27 attempts. Posting double figures in kills, Matikosh had 10 to go along with her seven digs. Schrantz rolled sevens in kills and digs. Senior Heather Barfuss added five blocks, nine digs, four kills, three assists and two service aces to the Bulls' arsenal. LaCour had 26 assists to add to her eight digs. Bouie contributed with five blocks on the night.
The Bulls have played their last eight matches on the road, and will make it nine when they visit Niagara at 7 tonight.
"September was a rough month, there was a lot of traveling over four weeks," Lilavois said. "I'm not trying to make the traveling an excuse, but it took a toll on the players."
Lilavois feels a victory would push the Bulls over the hump, but made it a point to challenge her team leadership.
"We need to find a way to win - the next five matches will hopefully be Ws," Lilavois said. "Nobody knows how to take leadership, but all 11 players can be a leader. We have the talent and the personnel to win, but we need to put things together for a win."
After NU, the Bulls will be at home for five straight matches. Friday, Oct. 5 the team will host Bowling Green at 7 p.m. at Alumni Arena.
