Strong, a junior wood/furniture design major, was a staple of the Buffalo State lineup as they picked up two wins against Regis and Potsdam to open their season with a 6-0 record. Against Regis, Strong totaled 14 kills with a .667 hitting percentage, four service aces, and a block. In game two against the Bears, Strong added another 13 kills with a .600 hitting percentage and a pair of blocks.