For Immediate Release: October 26, 2004
Contact: David O'Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-2956

First-place Albany sweeps volleyball in three games in conference opener

Box Score

ALBANY, N.Y.--Visiting Albany (20-5, 8-0 AE) showed why it is on top of the America East Conference, sweeping Binghamton (14-13, 4-4 AE) in volleyball action on Wednesday night at West Gym. The game scores were 30-23, 30-16, 30-28.

The Great Danes hit .357 for the match including .500 in the second game. Keying the Albany attack were Shelby Goldman, who had a team-high 14 kills, and Blair Buchanan, who recorded 41 assists.

"I was disappointed in the way we played tonight," head coach Glenn Kiriyama said. "It didn't seem like we were in sync all night. We didn't execute very well and seemed very tentative. We fought back in game 3 but it was too little too late."

For Binghamton, senior right side hitter Jen Smith (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) had a match-high 15 kills and tied for the team lead with eight digs. Senior outside hitter Michele Heck (Chicago, Ill.) also had eight digs in addition to 10 kills and sophomore setter Ashley Meffert (Louisville, Ky.) had 35 assists and also contributed seven digs.

"Jen (Smith) had a good night hitting," Kiriyama said. "She's a good all around player who can vary her shots. She had success up at the net but we didn't have enough guns between the rest of them. We have a couple of important matches this weekend, so we'll be geared up for them."

Binghamton hosts Hartford on Friday night at 7 p.m.