Bulldogs fall in five-set NEC semifinal with Central Connecticut

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Four players finished the night with double-digit kills, but the Bryant University volleyball team fell in the Northeast Conference semifinals against Central Connecticut in five sets at the Steinberg Wellness Center in Brooklyn.

Game Information

Central Connecticut 3, Bryant 2 (15-25, 26-24, 25-22, 20-25, 15-13)

Records: Bryant 21-12 (11-3 NEC), Central Connecticut 19-7 (11-3 NEC)

Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Coach Garlacy's Comments

"Our senior leadership did a great job tonight in an epic battle. Kiley Robbins (Garland, Texas) and Ally Lunsford (Mineola, Fla.) left their hearts on the floor, hitting, blocking and playing all-around with passion. Junior Grace Richmeyer (DeSoto, Mo.) also stood out with classmate Kirstyn Sperry (Phoenix, Ariz.), playing exceptional defense all match. We played hard and the coaching staff couldn't be prouder of our performance all season"

How It Happened

• Set 1 – Bryant's defense was strong start to finish, forcing the Blue Devils into a -.038 hitting percentage in the set. A six-point run in the middle of the set extended the Bulldogs' lead to ten and allowed them to control the rest of the way.
• Set 2 – Central Connecticut started fast, taking six of the first seven points in the set, and led the rest of the way to knot the match.
• Set 3 – The Bulldogs jumped out to a 10-5 lead, but the Blue Devils would respond, taking eight of the next 10 points to take a 13-12 lead. They would stay ahead the rest of the set.
• Set 4 – After splitting the first 12 points, Bryant went on a four-point run to go up four and kept their distance to win the set.
• Set 5 – After winning the first four points of the set, Bryant's attack would slow down and Central Connecticut slowly pulled back into striking distance and won five of the last eight points to take the match.

Stats/Notes 

• Sperry's 50 assists are a new career high, besting her total of 47 at CCSU on October 20.
• Bryant's season-high 81 kills eclipsed their previous high by 13.
• Sperry's double-double is her 22^nd of the season; Julia Flynn's (Pembroke, Mass.), with 18 kills and 21 digs, tallied her 14^th.
• With 18 kills, Richmeyer matched her season high set on August 29 vs. Quinnipiac.
• Lunsford also tied her season-high 14 kills.