NEW YORK, New York ------- Coming into their third conference game of the season, the Brooklyn College women's volleyball team would face off against a team with an identical conference record in the Baruch College Bearcats. Both sides were undefeated in conference play up until this point, so the level of importance was notable. Despite their valiant efforts to keep the game close, the Bulldogs would drop the game in four sets on the road [29-31, 17-25, 25-21, 21-25] after hanging in with them for most of the game.
The Brooklyn College Bulldogs (7-9, 2-1 CUNYAC) lose their first third game in a row and end their first in conference play, while the Baruch College Bearcats (5-10, 3-0 CUNYAC) stay undefeated in conference play.
How It Happened
The Bulldogs showed tremendous grit in the opening set, pushing the Bearcats to the limit in a thrilling extra-distance battle. Even though the Bulldogs had a significant lead, up 17-10 at one point, the Bearcats managed a comeback, tying the score at 23-23. Unable to close off the set after going up 24-23, the Bearcats would proceed to apply the pressure and end up stealing the first set 31-29.
Brooklyn would strike first with an early 5-3 lead, but after a 3-0 run by Baruch, the lead would not be surrendered after that, prompting a 25-17 second set victory.
Despite the momentum swing from the first set, the Bulldogs responded strongly, taking an early 12-5 lead after scoring eight straight. The Bearcats would go on a run of their own, scoring seven straight to tie it once again. However, the Bulldogs would once again go on a run by scoring six straight, creating enough distance and taking a decisive 25-21 victory to stay alive and force a fourth set.
As the pattern looked to repeat, Baruch would score enough to take a 19-15 lead. However, despite Brooklyn's efforts to close the gap, Baruch proved too strong in the end, securing the fourth set 25-21 to take the match.
For the Bulldogs
-
Saule Okeke-Ziburkus led the attack with 13 kills and contributed defensively with 1Â block assist and 1 solo block.
-
Ella Snobar followed closely with 10 kills and 7 digs.
-
Ruti Joshi was a force on defense and serving, tallying a team-high 16 digs and 4 service aces.
-
The setting was a shared effort, with Malia Reyes leading with 15 assists, 1 kill, 3 aces as well as 8 digs and Amra Mulic adding 13 assists along with 10 digs and 1 ace.
Up next, the Brooklyn College women's volleyball team comes back home to face off against the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights on Thursday, October 9th at 6:00pm.
