Volleyball takes season opener in five sets

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite falling into a 2-1 deficit in the 2011 season opener, the Bryant University volleyball team took the final two sets in commanding fashion, topping the University of Missouri Kansas City, 3-2, at the West Point Invitational Friday afternoon.

Senior Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.) led the way, pacing the Bulldogs (1-0) with 11 kills while junior Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.) recorded a match-best 38 assists and added 12 digs to collect Bryant's first double-double of the 2011 season.

The Bulldogs fell to UMKC (0-1) in the opening set, 25-20, before charging back to a 25-22 victory in set two. The Kangaroos got one win closer with a 25-19 win in the third frame, but a 25-17 Bryant win knotted the score at 2-2, forcing a deciding fifth set. Bryant fell behind, 8-6, mid-frame, but allowed its opponent just a single point for the rest of the match to earn the victory.

Junior Macy Mitravich (Waimanalo, Hawaii) picked up a contest-high 26 digs, while the Bulldogs were outblocked, 25-16. Junior Emily Kaup (Chandler, Ariz.) put up four blocks, including one solo stuff, while senior Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) recorded a quartet of stuffs of her own. The pair also chipped in eight and nine kills, respectively.

The Bulldogs continue on in their season-opening tournament Saturday, August 27. Game times have been changed due to the impending weather brought by Hurricane Irene and Bryant will now take on Hartford at 9 a.m. and play host Army at 1 p.m. to wrap up the weekend stint.