MEN’S VOLLEYBALL HEADS TO NATIONALS

DENVER, C.O. – This past weekend, the Bryant University Men’s Volleyball team traveled to Denver, Colorado to compete in the national tournament. The Bulldogs were among 240 Men’s teams competing across three divisions. The Bulldogs were entered into Division II based on our school size, and had about forty-five minutes to practice before the tournament began. They competed in three games on Thursday, another three on Friday, and one playoff game on Saturday.

Thursday, April 18th

Game 1 vs Sonoma State University

• Final score: Sonoma – 25, Bryant – 22

• Game info: Sonoma State was ranked number seven in the country for Division II. The Bulldogs came out flat on the first set and had a hard time blocking their fast-paced offense. In the second set, the Bulldogs battled back and put up a good fight before losing by three points.

Game 2 vs Michigan Technological University

• Final score set one: Michigan Tech – 25, Bryant – 19

• Final score set two: Michigan Tech – 25, Bryant – 21

• Game info: The Bulldogs played better in this game, but despite their determination they fell in both sets to the Huskies.

Game 3 vs Longwood University

• Final score: Longwood – 2, Bryant – 1

• Game info: The Bulldogs played their best game of the day, but unfortunately fell short to Longwood University.

Friday, April 19th

Game 1 vs Fairfield University

• Final score: Bryant – 2, Fairfield – 0  

• The Bulldogs demonstrated excellent passing and blocking, which helped them secure a win against the Stags.

Game 2 vs Marist College

• Final score: Bryant – 2, Marist – 1

• Game info: Marist College was nationally ranked and had only lost two games all season before the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs played their best and most intense game, dropping the first set and coming back with a win.

Game 3 vs University of Maryland, Baltimore County

• Final score: Bryant – 2, UMBC – 1

• Game info: UMBC was the 16th seed school that had defeated the University of Virginia in the NCAA tournament last year, but fell to the Bulldogs this year. Bryant’s team dropped the first set then came back forceful in the second to win the game.

Saturday, April 20th

Game 1 vs Creighton University

• Silver Bracket playoff game

• Final score: Creighton – 2, Bryant – 0   

• Game info: The Bulldogs showed their best effort, but this loss unfortunately knocked them out of the playoffs.

Highlights:

• The Bulldogs were seeded in the Silver Bracket of the tournament

• The team finished 21st out of 48 teams across the country in Division II

• The team also finished 6th in New England out if forty teams in the league

Comments:

• “Juniors Colin Coute and Matt Catalano stepped up big for us this season taking on starting positions. Freshmen Matt Melnychuck and Ziv Yu came in and played a lot of minutes and were great additions to our team. Our seniors, Blake Schneider, Nick Coolata, and Cameron Donnelly have been four year players for the club and are confident in the future success of the club!”

• “It’s been a great time playing for this team the last four years. Each year we rose to the occasion and competed against some big schools. I can’t wait to hear all about the program’s success in the coming years!” – Senior player Cameron Donnelly

Up Next:

• Support the Bryant University Men’s Volleyball team as they return to the court next season!

Social Media:

• For more information about club sports and intramurals, be sure to check out @Bryant_Rec on Instagram and Twitter

Written by: Bobbie DiScuillo