Over the weekend, the volleyball team was hoping to capture their first Mid-American Conference win of the season.
By the end of Saturday night, they still couldn't find it.
Even though the Bulls kept the score close in all the sets in matches against Akron and Ball State, they were unable to secure a victory, losing 3-0 to Akron, and 3-1 to Ball State.
In Buffalo's (5-13, 0-4 Mid-American Conference) most previous losses, the inability to finish sets has plagued the team, which is disappointing to head coach Jim Lodes.
"I'm disappointed because we had an opportunity to show that we could compete in this conference," he said.
In the first match on Friday against Akron (7-7, 1-2 MAC), the Bulls shot themselves in the foot with errors. The Zips took advantage of Buffalo's .093 hitting percentage and their 14 service errors, resulting in the Bulls losing in three straight sets, 25-22, 25-23, and 25-19. The Zips were led by junior Brionna Patterson who recorded 12 kills and junior Liz Martin who recorded eight kills and 12 digs.
Sophomore Marisa Hornbaker and junior Dani Silvers both recorded eight kills for the Bulls, while junior Lauren Fensten added 11 digs. Sophomore Lindsey Schlegel accumulated 17 assists. Sophomore Kristen Bignell continued her strong play by recording seven of the team's nine blocks.
Buffalo's woes continued on Saturday night as they hosted Ball State (7-11, 3-1 MAC). Unlike Friday's game, the Bulls were able to win set, however they were unable seal the deal, losing to the Cardinals 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, 25-20.
Despite the teams lost, the Bulls were able to break a season-high record in blocks with 11.5, surpassing their old record of 10. Bignell led the team in blocks with eight total.
Several Bulls also had exceptional games. Silvers finished the night with 12 kills, while teammates Hornbaker and senior Claudia Neba each had 11 kills. Schlegel was able to rack up a double - double with 36 assist and 17 digs.
Facing the pressure of returning the team to their winning ways, Lodes feels that the only way for his team get to that point is for his players to play each and every match like a championship game.
"We have to compete for every point like it's a championship point," he said.
Lodes challenged his players and looks for them to rebound for the rest of the season.
"We are talented enough, we work hard enough, now we ha have to compete and play at that level when it's game day. We can do it, we just have to know we can do it."
The team is looking to prove that they have what it takes to compete in the conference as they host MAC East rivals Miami (OH) on Friday, and Bowling Green on Saturday. Both games are scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
