The inaugural event in the newly-renovated Alumni Arena was a success for the University at Buffalo on Wednesday night as the UB women's volleyball team defeated Canisius in three straight games by scores of 30-22, 30-27 and 30-17.
Senior team captain Molly Schrantz had a big game for the Bulls, leading UB's attack with 12 kills and a match-high 14 digs.
"I thought they played well, and I thought they stuck to the game plan," said UB head coach Sally Kus. "We're starting two freshmen and they're helping us a lot, but I think we're still trying to gel."
Sophomore Nikki Morzenti chipped in with an impressive performance for the Bulls, registering a double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs.
Also turning in notable performances for Buffalo were juniors Katie Weekley and Amy Brown. Weekley had 11 kills and a match-high five blocks, while Brown ended the game with 44 assists, nine digs and four blocks.
Pleased with the physical performances turned in by her players on the night, Kus cited the mental aspect of the game as an area needing improvement.
"I'd like to see them where they get a big lead and they're emotionally high to maintain that lead," Kus stated.
With the win, UB improves to 3-2 on the season, while Canisius falls to 0-4.
The contest between the two teams also marked the return of former UB volleyball standout and current Canisius assistant coach Lindsay Matikosh to Alumni Arena. During her four-year career at UB, Matikosh tallied 1,450 career kills and 1,414 career digs for the Bulls.
Next up for the Bulls is the Montana State Tournament this weekend in Bozeman, M.T.
"We're going to be going up against some big players in Montana and it's going to show us defensively how well we can counter-attack," said Kus.
UB is scheduled to face Boise State and Montana State on Friday, with competition concluding against Dartmouth and Portland on Saturday in the two-day tournament.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
