Photo by DSPics.com
Photo by DSPics.com

Bulldogs fall to Boston College Friday

KINGSTON, R.I. – The Bryant University volleyball team was held off by Boston College in a three-set match to open the Art Carmichael Invitational Friday afternoon.

Freshman Riley James (Pocasset, Mass.) led the Bulldogs with eight kills and nine digs, while sophomore Caroline Kennedy (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) added seven kills and three blocks.

Match Information
Boston College 3, Bryant 0 (18-25, 18-25, 23-25)
Records: Bryant (5-8), Boston College (8-3)
Location: Keaney Gymnasium (Kingston, R.I.) 

Coach Garlacy's Comments
"Our block did a pretty good job today against BC's fast-paced offense. We served tough but made several unforced errors at crucial points in the match. We were consistent in the third set but didn't finish." 

How it Happened

  • Set 1 – Boston College scored four straight points to go ahead 8-5 and lead the rest of the set. After the Eagles went ahead 18-10, the Bulldogs would score the next four to pull within four and keep the margin between four and five until BC scored the final three points of the set.
  • Set 2 – A Kennedy kill cut the margin to one at 9-8, but Boston College responded with a 9-2 run to create separation in the set. Bryant would fend off set point four times before Boston College closed out a 25-18 win in the second.
  • Set 3 – Bryant led 22-18 before Boston College rattled off six straight points to turn the tables and close out the match with a 25-23 win in the third. Four of the Eagles' final six points in the comeback came via a Bulldog attack error.

Stats/Notes

  • James led the Bulldogs in kills (8) and digs (9).
  • Kennedy recorded seven kills and three blocks.
  • Freshman Maggie Ryan (Bethesda, Md.) was in on three blocks for the Bulldogs.
  • Junior Alisi Motu'apuaka (Virginia Beach, Va.) collected 19 assists, while freshman Mia Cergol (East Northport, N.Y.) added 11.
  • Sophomore Maya Popernik (Chicago, Ill.) chipped in with a pair of aces.
  • Bryant drops to 1-3 all-time against Boston College.

Up Next
Bryant plays two matches Saturday at the Art Carmichael Invitational. The Bulldogs face Albany at 11 a.m. and Rhode Island at 7 p.m. The match between Bryant and Rhode Island can be seen locally on YurView New England and online on ESPN+. 

Tickets for the 2019 season, including the Bulldogs' next home match Sept. 24 vs. Hartford, are available HERE.

Follow Bryant University volleyball on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.