The Bulls traveled to Ohio this past weekend in search of two conference victories. However, they were not warmly welcomed by the Buckeyes. Buffalo ran up against stiff competition from Mid-American Conference rivals Miami (OH) and Bowling Green, as it dropped both contests without winning a game, losing 3-0 to each opponent.
The Bulls first traveled to Oxford, Ohio to face the Miami Redhawks on Friday night. Although Friday's games were the more competitive of the weekend, the Bulls lost each game by scores of 30-26, 30-21, and 30-20. The Redhawks out-hit the Bulls all evening, as they finished with a .289 hit percentage, opposed to the Bulls meager .121.
Seniors Nikki Morzenti and Brandi Clark were the bright spots for the Bulls as they led the team in kills and assists, respectively. Morzenti finished with seven kills and an ace, while Clark totaled 26 assists.
Though every game is important, the Bulls knew they let one get away against an opponent that has struggled this year. The victory improved the Redhawks record to 6-12 overall and their MAC record to 2-3. The loss dropped the Bulls to 12-9 on the season and 1-5 in conference play.
The next afternoon the Bulls traveled to Bowling Green to face a Falcon team that seemed unable to lose. The Falcons handled the Bulls by scores of 30-14, 30-18, and 30-12. Bowling Green has been one of the best teams in the MAC this season and showed the Bulls just how impressive they can be. The Falcons have compiled a 16-2 record, with a perfect 6-0 mark in the MAC. The win against the Bulls gave the Falcons their 12th consecutive victory.
With the scores as one-sided as they were, the Bulls were able to let their younger players gain valuable experience against a talented and experienced team. Sophomores Alyssa Fitchette and Rachel Smith finished the match without recording an error. In addition, Fitchette finished with six kills and freshman Lauren Fensten added four assists. Senior Jenna Map?(c) led the team with eight kills. Junior Lizaiha Garcia tied for the team lead with Map?(c) with six digs.
The Falcons were very efficient. Bowling Green hit at .512 percent throughout the match, including an astounding .607 percent in game two. This was the best an opponent had done against the Bulls all season. In contrast, the Bulls hit a mere .077 percent of the balls that came their way.
The Bulls will need to come up big over the next few weeks if they want to make a good showing in the MAC Tournament, which begins Nov. 14. They will play only four of their next 11 matches in Buffalo, and are in the middle of their conference schedule.
The loss brought the Bulls record to 12-10, 1-6 in the MAC. The team is 2-8 over their last 10 matches after a 10-match win streak earlier in the season.
Buffalo will look to rest and rebound after this difficult road trip. Unfortunately, they'll have to keep their bags packed as they travel back to Ohio this coming week to face Kent State and Ohio. Buffalo previously lost at home to both opponents in late September. Kent State defeated the Bulls in three straight games while Ohio defeated Buffalo three games to one. The Bulls will face Kent State on Thursday at 7 p.m., before playing Ohio on Friday at 7 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
