Bryant claims seventh-straight NEC Men's Commissioner's Cup

SOMERSET, N.J. – The Bryant University athletic department took home its seventh-straight Northeast Conference Men's Commissioner Cup, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Bryant's seven-straight men's titles tie an NEC record. The Bulldogs took home the trophy behind NEC titles from men's swimming and diving and men's lacrosse. Bryant's baseball team won its ninth-straight regular-season championship, while men's basketball advanced to the NEC Championship game for the first time in program history. 

The Bulldogs earned 87.79 points for their seventh-straight cup, edging Sacred Heart (76.31). LIU placed third (72.29).

Bryant finished third in the overall standings for the Brenda Weare Commissioner's Cup, which was taken by LIU. LIU and Sacred Heart finished first and second both in the overall Brenda Weare Commissioner's Cup and the Joan Martin Women's Commissioner's Cup. The Bulldogs have now finished in the top three seven times. 

"There are no words to express how proud I am of all of our student-athletes, coaches, support staff, and administration for their unbelievable commitment, dedication, and hard work this year," Director of Athletics Bill Smith said. "I also want to thank President Gittell, the Board of Trustees, and Cabinet for their support in allowing our student-athletes to play in this most challenging of years. This was a total team effort at Bryant and it is a true testament to all that we were able to not only compete this year but win championships. To win seven-straight men's commissioner's cups is no easy task and I applaud our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff for this incredible accomplishment."

Bryant also enjoyed an outstanding year on the women's side. Women's swimming and diving won its fourth-straight NEC championship, while women's tennis advance to the championship round of the NEC Tournament. 

Nine Bryant athletes earned NEC major awards in 2020-21.

Matthew Mays - NEC Men's Swimmer of the Meet
Evan Clark and Drew Arnold - NEC Men's Diver of the Meet
Kyri Chambo - NEC Women's Diver of the Meet
Julia Stenhård - NEC Women's Swimming and Diving Rookie of the Meet
Bennett Abladian - NEC Men's Lacrosse Rookie of the Year
Chidi Nna - NEC Football Defensive Rookie of the Year
Tyler Mattison - NEC Baseball Pitcher of the Year
Liam McGill - NEC Baseball Player of the Year