Albany, N.Y. ? The top-seeded University at Albany volleyball team swept No. 4 Binghamton University, 3-0, in semifinal action of the 2004 America East Volleyball Championship on Friday night at University Gymnasium to advance to the title match of the four-team tournament. The Great Danes now await the winner of the second semifinal match of the evening as No. 2 Northeastern squares off against No. 3 Maine.

Both teams came out of the gate strong in game one as it was tied at 9-9 in the early going. Albany then went on a decisive 21-6 run to win the opening game 30-17. From that point on was the Great Danes the rest of the way. Albany downed Binghamton 30-16 in game two and then clinched the match with a 30-13 victory in the third and final game.

For the match, Albany outhit Binghamton .422 to .062 as the Great Danes’ proved why they boast the conference’s most efficient offense. America East Player of the Year and Setter of the Year Blair Buchanan was once again the catalyst of the Albany offense as she posted a match-high 41 assists. Ashley Hunter (16 kills) and Ashlee Reed (10 kills) were the beneficiaries of Buchanan’s helpers as they led the Great Dane attack.

Binghamton’s season comes to a close with a 17-17 mark, while Albany improves to 26-6 on the year.

The America East champion earns the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Volleyball Championship.

2004 America East Volleyball Championship
All matches at University Gymnasium (Albany, N.Y.)

Semifinals
Friday, November 19
No. 1 Albany 3, No. 4 Binghamton 0
No. 2 Northeastern vs. No. 3 Maine, 7:30 p.m.

Championship
Saturday, November 20
Semifinal #2 winner at No. 1 Albany, 4 p.m.