LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell handed Lafayette volleyball a conference loss (25-16, 25-22, 25-18) on Saturday afternoon at Davis Gym.

The Bison hopped out to an early 7-3 advantage, but junior outside hitter Carol Ulichney cut the deficit on the very next play with a kill. The hosts recorded 11 more kills (19-8) in the first period, hitting an efficient .327. Sophomore outside hitter Emma Patmon and junior middle blocker Hannah Ehrich-Pollock got Lafayette within one point of tying the match (13-12) with kills, but the Bison's front line was too much to handle, taking the first set 25-16.

The second set was a 47-point thriller. This time Lafayette found an early lead (6-3) thanks to kills by freshman outside hitter Paige Chmura (2) and senior outside hitter Abby Nieporte (1). The Leopards led 8-6 before a 4-0 Bucknell run handed the lead (10-6) back to the hosts. The next eight points were traded back-and-forth, but then the Bison found their offensive rhythm. Bri Frazilus finished the second period with six kills and recorded a game-high 15 on the day. The Bison took the second set, 25-22.

Bucknell continued to dictate play, finding a six-point lead (10-4) to start the final period. That lead was extended to eight points (14-6) as Frazilus kept up her dangerous swings. It appeared Lafayette was beginning to turn the tide with blocks from Ulichney, junior Abby Nicholson, Chmura and senior Natasha Zorbas, but Bucknell's offense kept pushing. The Bison finished the day with three players with double-digit kill totals and secured the third set 25-18.

The Leopards return to action at 7 p.m. on Friday as they travel to Loyola to continue Patriot League play.
 

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