Lehigh volleyball team takes down Bucknell

The Lehigh volleyball team advanced to 4-0 in the Patriot League with Friday night’s victory over Bucknell.

Junior Stephanie Stieber practices between sets against Providence College on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at Grace Hall. Lehigh defeated Bucknell on Friday 3-1 at Grace Hall. (Annie Henry/B&W Staff)

Grace Hall was filled with fans, as each set was played neck-and-neck, alternating which team took the lead. Lehigh was able to clinch the first two sets of the night by four point each. In the third set, the Bison (2-13, 0-3 Patriot) led by as many as eight points and went on to win by three. However, Lehigh responded in the fourth set, sealing another Patriot League win.

“A big part of why we’re 4-0 is because of our energy,” freshman Jessica Donaldson said. “We have made it a point to keep our energy alive on the bench and on the court and I think that’s contributing a lot to how we play.”

Donaldson scored some crucial points in the first two sets, allowing her team to keep the lead in each. She led both teams in kills with 18 on the night, twice as many as senior Kate Jennison, who finished second on the Mountain Hawks with nine.

“(Jennison) just has a great attitude,” coach Bob Bertucci said. “Every time she comes in a game she just fires up the team.”

With the two teams battling for each point, Donaldson said Lehigh has recognized the importance of staying in it until the end. She thinks the team has done a better job of picking up later in the game and remaining consistent.

Bertucci acknowledged some mistakes the team can work on for their next match, such as offensive errors and lack of readiness on the defensive side. Sophomore Megan Polak agreed.

“We need to recognize that each match is going to be a challenge, so we need to go in with a clean slate and get a new strategy and new energy,” Polak said.

Lehigh lost to Colgate 3-0 on the road Saturday, falling to 8-10 on the year. The Hawks will next face American University on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.