Volleyball rallies to beat Providence

The Bearcats (9-16, 6-3 AE) battled back after falling behind two sets to none for a five-set victory (17-25, 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 15-12) over Providence (1-26, 0-9 AE) at Alumni Hall on Oct. 28. After a career-high 23 kills on Oct. 26 versus UNH, senior outside hitter Iva Partaleva continued her stellar play, leading Binghamton with a team-high 22 kills.

Joining Partaleva in double digits was sophomore Kristin Hovie, who notched 11 terminations. Fellow sophomore Amanda Dettmann was strong from the setter position, tallying a match-high 41 assists. Dettmann also corralled 10 digs and seven kills to help the Bearcats improve to 4-1 in their last five America East match-ups.

The Friars started the match strong jumping ahead 25-17 and 25-20 in the first two opening stanzas. Binghamton was held to a hitting percentage of just .026 in the first set and fell into a deeper hole after the Friars connected on a match-high 16 kills in the second set.

After intermission, with their backs against the wall, Binghamton came out with a stronger sense of urgency. The Bearcats took the third and fourth sets in quick and impressive fashion, winning 25-13 and 25-16, holding Providence to a negative hitting percentage during both sets.

For the 10th time this season, Binghamton had worked its way to a fifth and final set. After five ties and four lead changes, Binghamton put the match away with a 15-12 triumph.

Binghamton was stronger defensively on the afternoon, beating Providence in digs (81-73) and blocks (11-9) and holding them to a .089 hitting clip. Junior libero Xiomara Ortiz was strong in the middle, picking up 30 digs on the afternoon as three others joined her in double digits.