Volleyball heads to PA this weekend

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Fresh off an exciting win against Holy Cross, the Bryant University volleyball team travels to Pennsylvania for a pair of Northeast Conference matchups this weekend. 

The Bulldogs (8-12, 2-3 NEC) look to build off their first back-to-back wins of the season when they meet Robert Morris on Saturday, Oct.8 at 3p.m.  The Colonials (8-10, 4-0 NEC) hold the series lead against Bryant heading into Saturday's showdown, having won four of the previous five matchups. This will be the first of two scheduled meetings between the two this season. 

The Colonials endured a rough start to their season, dropping nine of their first 10 matches before recently righting the ship.  Since that rough start, Robert Morris has gone on a roll, winning 7-of-8 dating back to mid-September.  In their last match the Colonials downed fellow NEC rival Fairleigh Dickinson, 3-1. Lindsay Monger sparked the victory with a game-high 21 kills and 21 digs. The win kept the Colonials undefeated in conference play and extended their win streak to five matches.

After Saturday's match, Bryant caps off the weekend with a short trip to Loretto, Pa. on Sunday (Oct. 9), taking on Saint Francis (PA) at 1 p.m.  The Red Flash (6-13, 1-3 NEC) enter the weekend having been swept in their last three outings. 

The Black and Gold made the most of their recent home stand, posting a 3-1 record over a four-game stretch. They will look to carry over that success during the weekend road trip, as the Bulldogs are just 2-4 away from Smithfield this season.

Next up for the Bulldogs will be a pair of home matches against conference foes next weekend.  First up, Bryant will host Long Island University on Saturday, Oct. 15 before welcoming New Jersey rival Fairleigh Dickinson on Sunday, Oct. 16.

For continuing coverage of Bryant University volleyball, including statistics, schedules and live game updates, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @Bryant_Vball.