Posted: Oct 11, 2009

BULLDOGS TOP SAINT FRANCIS (PA), 3-0, FOR PROGRAM’S FIRST NORTHEAST CONFERENCE VICTORY

October 11, 2009

BULLDOGS TOP SAINT FRANCIS (PA), 3-0, FOR PROGRAM'S FIRST NORTHEAST CONFERENCE VICTORY

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Led by a match-best 12 kills from sophomore Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.), the Bryant University volleyball team snapped a four-match losing streak with a 3-0 win over Saint Francis (PA) Sunday afternoon at DeGol Arena.

The victory was the program's first Northeast Conference win since being included in league standings at the beginning of the 2009 season and moved the Bulldogs to 1-2 in conference action. Bryant (6-15, 1-2 NEC) would use 35 total kills to take the three-set win over the Red Flash, 25-16, 25-22, 25-23.

Sophomore Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.) chipped in nine kills to help lead Bryant offensively, while senior captain Julie Geonnotti (Eden Prairie, Minn.) added eight digs, 11 assists and three kills, playing many different roles in the win.

Senior Adriana Fuertes (Miramar, Puerto Rico) led the team with 16 assists as junior libero Robyn Gardner (Longwood, Fla.) was again a defensive stronghold with a team-best eight digs and a match-high three service aces. Scocca tied the contest high with five blocks (1 solo, 4 assists) on the day.

Saint Francis (4-16, 1-3 NEC) was led by 10 kills from Elizabeth Williams and 27 assists from Rikki Myers. Lauren Wingard also chipped in six kills while tying Scocca with five blocks of her own (2 solo, 3 assists).

The Bulldogs are back in action at home next weekend, when they host a pair of NEC doubleheaders. Bryant will face off against LIU (4 p.m.) and Quinnipiac (7 p.m.) on Saturday, Oct. 17 and take on St. Francis (NY) (1 p.m.) and Quinnipiac (4 p.m.) on Sunday, Oct. 18.