Bryant Falls to SHU in NEC Finals

SMITHFIELD, R.I.- The Bryant women's volleyball team fell 3-1 to Sacred Heart in the NEC championship game on Saturday in the Chace Center.

Match Information

SHU 3, Bryant 1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19)

Bryant (21-11, 12-2 NEC), SHU (18-9, 11-3 NEC)

Location: Chace Athletic Center (Smithfield, R.I.)

Coach Garlacy's Comments

"It was such a great season for these fearless competitors. I am so grateful for this team and their character, work ethic, and heart. And a special thank you to seniors Jenna Knight, Caroline Kennedy, and Haley O'Brien!"

How it Happened:

Set 1: SHU took the early lead in the first set, scoring the first three points. Bryant came back with their own rally, scoring six straight points to take the lead. The two teams continued to go back and forth, eventually tying the score at 21. The Bulldogs used a 4-0 run to close out the set win. Bryant recorded seven total blocks in the set, with Haley O'Brien leading the way with three.

Set 2: Bryant was able to take the early lead in Set 2, but a 5-0 run by the Pioneers gave them the lead. The Bulldogs were able to rally and get within a point late in the set, but the comeback came up short. Riley James had five kills for Bryant in the set.

Set 3: The Bulldogs led from the beginning of the third, but another Sacred Heart run gave the Pioneers the advantage. SHU was able to retain the lead all the way to a 25-19 win. Caroline Kennedy and Emma McGovern had three kills each for Bryant.

Set 4: Both teams traded the lead early in the fourth set. SHU was able to take the lead at 10-9, and used multiple short runs to pull away and win the closing set by six. Kennedy led the Bulldogs with five kills in the final set.

Bulldog Notes and Notables

• Abby Rae and Riley James were both named to the all-tournament team. Rae had 43 digs and three aces during the weekend, while James finished the tournament with 22 kills, 22 digs, a block, and an ace.

• Bryant finished the match with 57 kills, their sixth most in a match this season. Riley James and Caroline Kennedy each had 14 to lead the Bulldogs, while Emma McGovern had 12. 

• The Bulldogs' 13 total blocks were their second most on the season. Haley O'Brien led all players with seven (three solos and four assists). McGovern also had four blocks for Bryant.