Football (2-1)
Often known for their offensive talent and success, the Bulls picked up their second win of the season on Saturday, thanks in large part to a historic day by the defense.
The Bulls defeated Florida Atlantic (0-3) 33-15 at FAU Stadium on Saturday. The Bulls scored 23 of their 33 points on defense and had a school record three defensive touchdowns. Buffalo got on the scoring board when senior linebacker Travis Pitzonka returned a fumble 60 yards for a score. The Bulls had another fumble returned by junior defensive tackle Brandon Crawford and an interception brought back by junior cornerback Boise Ross.
The Bulls return home to face Nevada (1-2) at UB Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
Women’s soccer (4-3-1)
The women’s soccer team gave No. 7 West Virginia (9-1) everything it could handle in their overtime affair on Friday. An own goal by Buffalo turned out to be the difference as the Bulls fell to West Virginia 1-0.
The Mountaineers controlled the tempo of the game, garnering 41 shots, while the Bulls had just one on the night. Sophomore goalkeeper Laura Dougall had 10 saves on 11 shots on goal from West Virginia. Senior defender Jackie Hall had the lone shot for the Bulls.
The Bulls move into Mid-American Conference play to face Ohio (2-5) at UB Stadium on Friday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Men’s Soccer (3-4-2)
The Bulls continued their winless streak, which moved to six games on Sunday.
On Friday, the Bulls fell to Lafayette (3-1-3), 2-1 with the Bulls scoring their lone goal of the game late in the second half. Sophomore goalie Cameron Hogg finished with one save.
On Sunday, the Bulls tied with Niagara 2-2 (1-6-1) in a game that went to double overtime. The Bulls started strong with junior forward Braden Scales scored early in the first half. Then, Cicerone netted his fifth goal of the season – his second in as many games - giving the Bulls a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
All for naught, as the Bulls allowed Niagara to score two second half goals to tie the game and leave UB Stadium with a tie.
The Bulls travel to Stony Brook, New York to face Stony Brook (2-3-1) on Thursday, Sept. 24. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Women’s volleyball (1-11)
The long, frustrating season for the volleyball team took a pleasant turn as the team finally won its first game of the season at the Big Orange Tournament in Syracuse, New York.
The Bulls won their first game of the season, defeating Navy 3-0. Buffalo won the first two sets easily, winning 25-18 and 25-17, before a tough, but victorious 25-21 win in the third. Senior outside hitter Megan Lipski led the team with 16 kills, while senior setter Marissa Prinzbach added 28 assists in victory.
The Bulls would eventually get swept in their final tournament games against New Hampshire (8-7) and Syracuse (9-2). The Bulls were swept in three sets against New Hampshire, but received a solid performance from freshman outside hitter Valisha Watkins, who finished with a career-high 14 kills against New Hampshire in defeat.
Buffalo returns home to start off MAC play with a game against Akron (6-7) on Thursday, Sept 24. The match is set for 7 p.m.
All questions and comments can be directed toward sports@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of UB Athletics
