SUNYAC CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND – #5 BUFFALO STATE BENGALS AT #4 FREDONIA BLUE DEVILS

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Dods Hall Gymnasium – Fredonia, NY

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LAST TIME OUT… In their regular-season finale, the Bengals earned a tri-match split, sweeping the University of Rochester Yellowjackets, 3–0, before falling to the Union College Garnet Chargers, 0–3.

THE MATCHUP… For the fifth consecutive season, the Buffalo State women's volleyball team has secured a spot in the SUNYAC Playoffs. Earning the No. 5 seed, the Bengals travel down the I-90 to face "Battle by the Lake" rival and No. 4 seed, the Fredonia Blue Devils.

This marks the 81^st all-time meeting between the programs and their second matchup this season. The Bengals look to avenge an early-season loss against the Blue Devils, which snapped a three-year stretch of Bengals' wins in the rivalry. Since 2021, the Bengals hold a narrow 3–2 advantage in recent meetings, while the Blue Devils lead the all-time series, 55–25, dating back to 1990.

The Bengals are making its fifth straight SUNYAC Tournament appearance. After reaching the SUNYAC Championship match last fall, the Bengals aim to return to the title match for the second year in a row and seek the program's first SUNYAC crown since 2013.

Fredonia, meanwhile, returns to the SUNYAC Tournament for the first time since 2021.

The winner of Tuesday's first-round matchup will advance to the SUNYAC Semifinals at top-seeded Cortland on Friday, November 14th at 4:00 p.m.

LAST TIME WE MET… In their previous meeting this season, the Bengals fell 3–0 in a tightly contested opening match of the 2025 "Battle by the Lake" series.

• Ella Wittman (Cheektowaga, NY/Springville Griffith) led Buffalo State with 11 kills.
• Delia Lake (Buffalo, NY/Kenmore West) added seven kills, while Delaney McCarthy (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West) and Nicole Delli Colli (Rye, NY/Rye) chipped in six apiece.
• Setters Karlie Shaffer (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown East) and April Jakubowski (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) tallied 17 and 15 assists, respectively.

The opening set featured back-and-forth play, with both teams deadlocked at 16–16 before Fredonia edged out a late surge to take the frame. The Bengals opened the second set strong, but another timely run from the Blue Devils sealed a tight finish and a 2–0 lead. In the third set, Fredonia jumped out to a double-digit advantage, and despite a late Bengals push, the Blue Devils completed the sweep.

THE BENGAL BREAKDOWN… At 14–15 overall and 5–4 in SUNYAC play, the Bengals enter the postseason determined to avenge their early-season "Battle by the Lake" loss while making a strong push for their first SUNYAC championship since 2013.

The Bengals finished third in the conference with 11.62 kills per set and while sitting second in the SUNYAC with 10.84 assists per set, showcasing one of the league's most efficient and balanced offenses.

Defensively, the Bengals continue to be a force, ranking second in the SUNYAC with 15.90 digs per set. With statistical depth on both sides of the ball, the Bengals position themselves as a formidable opponent heading into postseason play.

ONE THOUSAND BIG ONES… Junior outside hitter Ella Wittman remains the centerpiece of the Bengals' attack and has been one of the conference's most dynamic offensive threats this season.

After surpassing the 1,000-kill career milestone, Wittman currently ranks third in the SUNYAC in kills per set at 3.67 (3.63 in SUNYAC play) and third in points per set at 4.2 (4.5 in conference action). Her consistency, efficiency, and ability to take over matches make her one of the most impactful players in the league and a driving force behind the Bengals' offensive success.

LUCKY NUMBER 200… It has been a milestone season for Buffalo State. Head coach Maria Roberts officially earned her 200th career win, extending her legacy as the longest-tenured coach in program history. Roberts also matched the school record for the longest streak of consecutive postseason appearances.

RESEARCHING THE BLUE DEVILS… Fredonia enters the postseason as the No. 4 seed after finishing the regular season 12–15 overall and 6–3 in SUNYAC play. The Blue Devils are seeking their first SUNYAC semifinal appearance since 2018 and their first conference championship since 2008.

Statistically, Fredonia ranks ninth in the conference with 9.50 kills per set, while defensively sitting third in the SUNYAC with 15.79 digs per set and eighth with 1.12 blocks per set.

Offensively, the Blue Devils are led by Kylie O'Brien, who averages 2.25 kills per set (2.59 in SUNYAC matches), with Emma Foley contributing 1.60 kills per set (1.73 in conference play).

Defensively, Kailea Sullivan anchors the back row with 3.54 digs per set (3.50 in SUNYAC play).

With a win over the Bengals, Fredonia would advance to the SUNYAC semifinals for the first time since 2018 as they continue their pursuit of the program's first conference crown since 2008.

SCHEDULES/RESULTS…
#4 FREDONIA BLUE DEVILS: 12-15 (6-3 SUNYAC)
#5 BUFFALO STATE BENGALS: 14-15 (5-4 SUNYAC)