YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Buffalo Bulls volleyball team (7-12, 4-6 MAC) got themselves back in the win column with a sweep over the Eastern Michigan Eagles (10-13, 2-8 MAC) on the road, 25-20, 25-20, 25-17.
For the second time this season, three Bulls recorded double-doubles in the same match. Manoela Forlin finished with a match-high 15 kills with 14 digs as freshman Emerson Matthews had 14 kills and 10 digs. Setter Maddie Mitchell tallied 33 assists and 13 digs.
Saddie Gladhill had 11 digs as Keira Kleidon finished with 23 of her own. Kleidon also led the team in aces with three. Ava Kanj continues to be a force at the net as she finished with five total blocks. Luli Arcucci and Tehya Shaw each had three blocks on the night.
The Bulls limited the Eagles’ attack to just a .134 hitting percentage as they hit .217.
SET 1
The Bulls controlled the first set as they outhit the Eagles, .306 to .087. Buffalo committed just three attack errors to Eastern Michigan’s seven. The Bulls trailed, 5-3, but a 5-1 run by the visitors put them in front, 8-6. The Eagles managed to tie the set, but never captured momentum to retake the lead. The Bulls won the opening set, 25-20.
SET 2
It was neck and neck at the beginning of the set, but once the Bulls secured a 6-5 lead, they never trailed the rest of the way. They forced an Eastern Michigan timeout up 12-7, but it did not impact the set as the Bulls won, 25-20. The Bulls battled through a tough offensive showing as they only hit .095.
SET 3
Buffalo closed the night out with 18 kills in the third set as they completed the sweep over the Eagles. Despite winning the set, 25-17, there were nine ties and five lead changes. Kleidon totaled 11 digs in just the third set.
“Our defensive unit was very impressive tonight, extending rallies and putting us in great situations to score points,” exclaimed Head Coach Scott Smith. “I felt like we put a lot of pressure on Eastern from the service line which greatly benefited the defense. Our offense was patient and stayed steady and stuck to the plan all night and that secured the win. It will be a tough battle tomorrow night, but this keeps us in the hunt for the tournament.”
UP NEXT
The Bulls will stay in Ypsilanti as they’ll face the Eagles tomorrow at 6 p.m.
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Courtesy of University at Buffalo.
