The High Point University volleyball team defeated the University at Buffalo, 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-17) on Friday evening at the University at Buffalo Classic. HPU improves to 9-2 on the season while Buffalo drops to 3-9.
"Our team continues to build off the momentum we had coming out of the UNCG match," said head coach Chad Esposito. "We continue to carry forward with the focus and drive and energy it takes to dominate these matches. Tonight we were able to keep them off balance and out of sync. It allowed us to dictate the match and really allowed our block and defense to sort of set the tone for the match. Really proud of our girls and what we've been able to do in this tournament. We're looking forward to building off this match going into the game against Davidson tomorrow."
Audie Gonzalez notched her second double-double of the day with an 11 kill, 12 dig performance against Buffalo. Lindsay Raus added 10 kills and Kristina Taylor had 30 assists. Julie Hershkowitz also had 12 digs.
For the Bulls, Maria Mezzadri led all attackers with seven kills. Lindsey Schlegel had 20 assists while Lauren Fensten had 18 digs.
Buffalo came out strong in the opening set to take a 7-4 lead, but HPU responded with a 7-1 run to go on top 11-8. The Panthers maintained control of the set and closed out the opening frame outscoring UB 13-2.
In the second set took control early with an 8-3 lead, but Buffalo battled back to take a 13-12 lead. The Panthers retook the lead off a pair of kills from Gonzalez at 17-14, but UB would not go away and tied the set again at 17. HPU once again jumped out on top, up 19-17, but the two teams traded points at the end tying the set at 19, 20, 22 and 23. The Panthers gained possession of the ball for the final two points and were able to put away the Bulls to take a 2-0 advantage in the match.
The final set was all High Point who was never behind. UB would come as close as one at 9-8, but that's as close as the Bulls would come. The Panthers outscored the Bulls 16-9 to close out the match.
High Point will face Davidson at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.
