Bryant collects four-set win at LIU

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Bryant University volleyball team improved to 7-2 in the NEC with a four-set win Saturday evening at Long Island.

Sophomore Caroline Kennedy (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) led the Bulldogs with 12 kills, while freshman Alysa Wright (Wayne, Pa.) contributed a career-best eight blocks as Bryant beat LIU in Brooklyn for the second time in program history. 

Match Information
Bryant 3, Long Island 1 (25-22, 25-22, 16-25, 25-22)
Records: Bryant (12-13, 7-2), Long Island (7-13, 6-2)
Location: Steinberg Wellness Center (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Coach Garlacy's Comments
"Tonight was a tremendous team effort that showed our balance. Tough serving, especially by Riley James and Nikki Kim, helped keep them out of system. The blocking of Alysa Wright and the defense of Riley James and Erika Ward were instrumental in the win. Our pin hitters also blocked great which led to lots of frustration from the LIU attackers. We're seeing improvements each time out."

How it Happened 

• The serving of senior Nicole Kim (River Edge, N.J.) was key for the Bulldogs in the first set. Tied at 22, an ace from Kim put the Bulldogs in front before kills from Kennedy and freshman Emma McGovern (Long Beach, N.Y.) sealed the 25-22 first set.
• The second set was also tied at 22 before a service error and an attack error set the stage for Kennedy to win the set with a kill. 
• The Bulldogs took advantage of three straight attack errors by the Sharks to break another 22-22 tie in the fourth and clinch the match. 

Notes/Notables

• Wright led the Bulldogs at the net, posting one solo block and seven block assists. 
• Kennedy led the Black and Gold with 12 kills.
• Freshman Riley James (Pocasset, Mass.) finished with a double-double, posting 11 kills and 15 digs. 
• Junior Alisi Motu'apuaka (Virginia Beach, Va.) posted 25 assists in the match. 
• McGovern also finished with double-digit kills, collecting 10.
• Junior Erika Ward (Rochester, Mich.) recorded 13 digs and moved to within 82 of Kristin Kingi's Division I program record.
• Bryant improved to 5-18 against Long Island (formerly LIU Brooklyn) and defeated LIU in Brooklyn for the first time since 2010.
• The win was Bryant's fourth on the floor of the Steinberg Wellness Center, as the Bulldogs defeated Central Connecticut and Sacred Heart in last year's NEC tournament.

Up Next
Bryant returns home for two matches next weekend at the Chace Athletic Center, beginning with a Friday night contest against Fairleigh Dickinson at 6 p.m. Tickets for Friday's contest and remaining 2019 home matches are available HERE.

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