Volleyball Comeback Against LIU Falls Short

BROOKLYN, N.Y.- The Bryant women's volleyball team's comeback against Long Island fell short, as they took their first NEC loss of the year by a score of 3-2.

Match Information

LIU 3, Bryant 2 (25-19, 25-17, 21-25, 22-25, 15-11)

Records: Bryant (10-9, 3-1 NEC), LIU (6-10, 3-1 NEC)

Location: Steinberg Wellness Center (Brooklyn, NY)

Coach Garlacy's Comments

"We made a great comeback after a slow start. Riley and Mia were key players in the fight. We saw many big plays and battled through many stoppages in play. We hope to take away the need for a stronger start and more focus."

How it Happened:

Set 1: LIU took the early lead in the opening set, but Bryant was able to stay close, eventually tying the score at 12. The Sharks responded with a run to take a six point lead, and they eventually went on to win the set by that same margin. Alysa Wright had four block assists in the set for the Bulldogs, who had four total blocks.

Set 2: The Bulldogs fell behind to start the second set, but came back to take a 6-5 lead. LIU responded with a 7-2 run to take a commanding lead, and won the set by eight points. Caroline Kennedy had four blocks in the set to lead Bryant.

Set 3: Similar to the second set, Bryant fell behind before rallying to take a one point lead. They were able to hold the lead and held off LIU for the rest of the set, winning 25-21. Haley O'Brien and Riley James had four kills each for the Bulldogs in the set. Bryant also had four total blocks.

Set 4: The fourth set featured the most ties and lead changes of any set in the match, with both teams going back and forth. LIU was able to pull out to a late four point lead, before Bryant used a 7-0 run to take a 23-20 lead and eventually win the set. Riley James had eight kills in the set for Bryant, the most in any set of the match.

Set 5: LIU started the final set by scoring the first five points, but the Bulldogs rallied to tie the score at six. LIU took back the lead and extended it to four points, going on to win the set, 15-11. Riley James had three kills for Bryant in the set.

Bulldog Notes and Notables

• Riley James had her fifth straight double-double, with a match high 20 kills to go with 11 digs, two blocks, and two assists.

• Mia Cergol also had a double-double, finishing with 41 assists and 20 digs. It was her fourth on the season and second in a row.

• Caroline Kennedy had 11 kills and eight block assists for the Bulldogs. Her eight blocks tied a career high.

• Bryant's 15 team blocks were a season high, four more than their previous high, set against Sacred Heart. Kennedy led the team with eight block assists, while Alysa Wright had seven and Haley O'Brien had five assists and one solo block.