UMBC

Albany, N.Y.—Sophomore Angela Anderson led four Retrievers in double figures in kills as the third-seeded UMBC volleyball team (16-14) stunned second-seeded and defending champion Binghamton (15-17), 3-1, at Albany’s University Gymnasium.  The Retrievers prevailed, 30-32, 30-22, 30-23, 30-24.

UMBC had dropped both matches to Binghamton in the regular season and were swept decisively by the Bearcats at RAC Arena two weeks ago. The Retrievers will meet top-seeded and host Albany, who edged Stony Brook, 3-1.

After dropping a hearbreaking opening match, UMBC hit .243, .261 and .277 and held Binghamton to a match hitting mark of .127. The Retrievers dominated statistically, with 20 more assists, eight more digs and five more blocks than the Bearcats.

Anderson posted 18 kills and hit .200 in the match, followed by freshman Ashley Oscars (14 k, .225), senior Jessie Folk (14, .478) and sophomore Sarah Ball (13, .258). Freshman setter Kira Giles posted 60 assists in the four-game match, while sophomore Ashley Hargrove recorded eight assisted blocks. Senior libero Jennifer Wylie posted a match-best 27 digs.

UMBC has won four straight matches heading into the finals. The Great Danes swept UMBC in the regular season, winning 3-2 in New York and 3-0 at the RAC Arena. An automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament is at stake.