The Billikens women’s volleyball team has had a rough beginning to their Atlantic 10 play, going 0-4 in the first four matches. After a five game run, the Bills have dropped seven straight to fall to 5-12. However, the way the team has been playing suggests that they still want a shot at that A-10 conference title after going five sets against Duquesne this past Friday in their A-10 home opener. The Duquesne Dukes were able to hold off the Bills and finished the match 21-25, 25-19, 25-16, 20-25, 15-13.

The offense was led once again by Lauren Baumet and Carly Schumacher, collecting 16 and 14 kills respectively. This offense was aided by a stellar match by assists leader Cassie Clarke, who collected 48 assists on the day. The defense held with a season-high performance by Grace Bonoma and an impressive performance by Megan Gilbert, 29 and 21 digs apiece. Anna Church and Andrea Bolt controlled the service line, collecting three aces each.

The Bills then played George Washington on Saturday. The Bills quickly gained a two set advantage over GW, but the Colonels came storming back, claiming the next three sets. The Bills lost a heartbreaking match 13-25, 15-25, 28-26, 25-20, 15-12.

The Bills will play Butler on Saturday at 5 p.m. in the first match of the year against one of the newest additions to the A-10 conference. The Bulldogs are 11-7 overall but only 1-3 in the A-10.