UB Bulls quick hits recap: soccer successful while volleyball, football continue to struggle

Men’s soccer (6-5-3, 1-1 Mid-American Conference)

The Bulls picked up a big MAC victory on Friday, defeating West Virginia (6-7, 1-1 MAC) 2-0. It was Buffalo’s first-ever victory over West Virginia in program history.

After a scoreless first half, the Bulls struck twice in the second half. Junior midfielder Russell Cicerone scored his 10th goal of the season and has now scored in six straight game. Senior forward Marcus Hanson scored his first goal of the season to seal the victory.

The Bulls travel to DeKalb, Illinois to face Northern Illinois (7-4, 1-1 MAC) on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Women’s soccer (9-5-2, 5-2-1 MAC)

With the MAC Tournament drawing near, the Bulls are looking to peak at the right time to repeat as champions. This weekend’s play certainly boosted its chances.

On Friday, the Bulls defeated Toledo (6-11, 2-6 MAC) 3-1. Junior forward Celina Carrero scored her second goal of the season in the first half and senior Kassidy Kidd followed it up with two goals in the second half.

For Kidd, it completed a three-game stretch with five goals.

On Sunday, the Bulls blanked Central Michigan (5-8-2-, 4-3-1 MAC) 3-0 in one of the finest performances this season. Carrero, sophomore midfielder Julia Benati and freshman midfielder Nicole Gerritz all added goals in the shut out.

The Bulls travel up to Oxford, Ohio to face Miami Ohio (9-5-1, 5-2-1 MAC) on Friday, Sept 23. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Volleyball (3-17, 2-6 MAC)

The Bulls dropped both of their home games this weekend.

The Bulls lost to Western Michigan (10-13, 6-2 MAC) 3-1 Friday. After losing the first two sets, the Bulls took the third set before the Broncos closed them out in the fourth set. Senior middle blocker Akeila Lain and senior outside hitter Megan Lipski finished with a team-high 12 kills.

On Saturday, Buffalo dropped its fourth straight conference game, losing to Northern Illinois (11-9, 7-1 MAC) 3-2. Both teams split the first four sets before the Huskies won the final set 15-8. Lipski once again had a great game, finishing with 18 kills. Freshman Megan Wernette finished with 16 kills.

The Bulls travel up to Ypsilanti, Michigan to face Eastern Michigan (12-9, 4-4 MAC) on Friday. The match is set for 7 p.m.

Football (2-4, 0-2 MAC)

The Bulls dropped their third straight game and second consecutive conference game on Saturday with a 51-14 blowout to Central Michigan (3-4, 2-1 MAC).

Senior quarterback Joe Licata struggled for most of the day as he threw for just 133 yards on 13-of-25 passing. persistent running game of senior Anthone Taylor and junior Jordan Johnson wasn’t present as they only totaled 75 yards combined.

The defense allowed 37 first-half points and entered the second half already down 30 points.

Buffalo is still winless in the MAC.

The Bulls take on Ohio (5-2, 2-1 MAC) at UB Stadium. Kickoff will be at 3:30 p.m.

The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com.