Women’s volleyball triumphs in season opening tournament

UB volleyball (3-0, 0-0 MAC) kicked off their 2024-25 campaign by winning the Buffalo Invite for the second consecutive year. As hosts of the tournament, the Bulls secured three straight victories, defeating Oakland (1-2, 0-0 HL) on Friday, Hampton (0-3, 0-0 CAA) on Saturday, and Army West Point (2-1, AAC) on Sunday evening.

Following last season’s heartbreaking semi-final exit at the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championships, and a disappointing first round exit at the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC), the Bulls have made a strong statement with the tournament victory. 

Match against Oakland

Buffalo began the tournament by prevailing over the Golden Grizzlies 3-1, in what also marked their season opener. They set their tournament high in kills and digs in this matchup, with 59 total for each. Fifth-year outside hitter and 2023 First-Team All-MAC honoree Katrin Trebichavska continued her role from last season as the offensive anchor for UB, securing four aces and a double-double with 14 kills and 15 digs. Freshman outside hitter and debuting Bull Emma Converse got her first taste of collegiate play and performed admirably, finishing the game with 11 total kills and a block. Also making her debut was freshman defensive specialist Keira Kleidon, who totaled one set assist and eight digs.

Match against Hampton

The Bulls then continued their run of good form by sweeping the Hampton Pirates 3-0 in dominating fashion. Despite the back-and-forth in the third and final set of the match, Buffalo secured the sweep after redshirt sophomore middle blocker Tehya Shaw ended the match with a solo block. Trebichavska once again demonstrated her leadership as she recorded another double-double with 21 kills and 10 digs. 

Buffalo showcased their roster’s depth in this matchup, as head coach Scott Smith had three freshman players in the starting lineup. Redshirt freshman setter Ava Roodbol recorded 38 assists and seven digs in her collegiate debut.

“I thought we showcased some of what our younger players are capable of,” said Smith in a post-game press conference. “It wasn’t always perfect but they fought hard to earn the sweep and that’s a valuable lesson this early in the season.”

Match against West Point

UB then closed out the tournament with a victory over Army West Point, defeating them 3-1. After trading the opening two sets, the Bulls steamrolled the Black Knights with scores of 25-12 and 25-7. West Point was defensively outclassed as their hitting percentage was limited by UB to .009%.

Three players from the Buffalo roster were named to the All-Tournament team. Sixth year outside hitter/middle blocker Abby Leigh, and senior libero/outside hitter Maria Futey secured spots, while Trebichavska was named tournament MVP.

“We are very happy with the 3-0 start, and even more so with how many players stepped up and performed well,” Smith said.

UB will next play away against No. 4 ranked Pittsburgh (2-0, 0-0 ACC) on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.

Rodrigo Feijão is the assistant sports editor and can be reached at rodrigo.feijao@ubspectrum.com