Bulldogs drop pair in Bryant Invite opener

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Senior Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.) put up 22 kills and six blocks to lead the Bryant University volleyball team in a pair of contests in the opening day of their own Bulldog Invitational, but the hosts couldn't pull out a win, falling to both the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore and Harvard by identical 3-1 scores Friday night at the Chace Athletic Center.

The Bulldogs (2-6) opened the two-day tournament strong, dominating UMES (2-3) in set one for a 25-16 win and a 1-0 match lead. But from there, the Hawks would take over, winning sets two and four handily and pulling out a 25-23 victory in between behind a 23-kill performance from Saitaua Iosia.

UMES setter Jessica Vicic collected 42 assists to pace the match, while Rebecca Prado chipped in 26 digs, also a contest best. On the home side, senior Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) led the Black and Gold, scoring nine kills and posting four blocks, while Macy Mitravich (Waimanalo, Hawaii) picked up 19 digs in the outing. The Hawks served nine aces to Bryant's four and outblocked their hosts, 25-13.

In the nightcap, Stoner's 14 kills led the Bulldogs, who fell into an 0-2 hole before earning a 25-22 win in the third frame. Stoner recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 12 digs to compliment her team-high kill total, and sophomore Kendall Gaffney (Colorado Springs, Colo.) added nine kills of her own despite the loss.

Mitravich paced the match defensively with a game-best 30 digs, while Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.) dished out 23 assists to finish with 43 on the day. The Bulldogs again were outblocked by their opponent, as Harvard (4-1) put up 22 stuffs to Bryant's 14. Teresa Skelly accounted for eight of the Crimson's blocks and added 10 kills to her outing, while Kristen Casey's 15 kills were a match best. She collected a double-double of her own with 13 digs, as did setter Beth Kinsella (40 assists, 12 digs). Scocca's four blocks led the Black and Gold in the contest.

On the day, Scocca's .395 attack percentage (17 kills) and eight blocks were both team highs, while Mitravich totaled 49 digs and Lorenzo picked up an impressive five aces – all coming against Harvard – to compliment her team-best 43 helpers.

The Bulldogs will resume Bryant Invitational play Saturday at 7 p.m. when they host Holy Cross in the tournament's final contest. The game will be broadcast live on www.bryantbulldogs.tv.