Syracuse, New York - This past Wednesday, the Bulls dropped to 2-5 for the season, as they were rounded up by Big East foe Syracuse, who upped their mark to 6-3 for the year. Looking to secure a win, the Bulls fell just short in the four-game match (30-21, 30-25, 27-30, 30-26).
Sophomore Alexis Bouie led the Bulls with a career-high 13 kills and team-high five blocks in the defeat. Fellow sophomore Lindsay Matikosh contributed a career-high seven aces, one shy of tying the school record for a four-game match held by Patty Dennison (vs. Niagara 9/18/91). Matikosh ended the night with eight kills and digs.
Freshman Katie Henry also recorded a career-high of 11 digs, while senior setter Larissa LaCour raked in 11 digs to complement her 44 assists. Freshman Molly Schrantz and sophomore Becky Ashare contributed in 10 kills apiece to the Bulls arsenal.
Heading into last Wednesday, the Bulls were hoping to take revenge for their five- game loss to the Orange last season. Head Coach Nadine Lilavois' game plan for Wednesday night was simple: she was looking to "repeat last years intensity and hope for a win." The intensity was there, but the team still took an L in four tight contests.
Although undersized, the Bulls have big hearts. In Wednesday night's loss, three players posted career-highs and a ten-year school record was on the verge of being rewritten. Assistant Coach Todd Kamenash spoke proudly of his team, saying he is most impressed by the team's "willingness to work hard and keep a positive attitude."
The Bulls are a young team with strong veteran leadership from the bench. Even with a young line-up, Lilavois expects "many Ws to come."
The Bulls are now holding on to a 2-5 record with no conference play under their belts. Heading into this weekend, they will begin the Mid-American Conference portion of their schedule. This Friday, Sept. 21, the Bulls will play at Marshall and then at Ohio Saturday, Sept. 22. After six away games, they next play at home Sunday, Oct. 7 against Miami of Ohio.
