Bryant falls to #13 Purdue in straight sets

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University volleyball team stacked up against a tough opponent Saturday afternoon but struggled in its first-ever outing against a nationally ranked Division I opponent, falling to No. 13 Purdue University in straight sets, 3-0, to close out the 2011 Denver Invitational in Denver, Colo.

Bryant (2-4) couldn't get above the 16-point mark in any set and the offense was stifled throughout, as leading kill-getter Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.) was held to just a trio of kills after posting back-to-back double-doubles in a pair of matches Friday. The Bulldogs were led offensively by sophomore Alexandria Clyburn (Cartersville, Ga.) and junior Emily Kaup (Chandler, Ariz.), who recorded seven and six kills, respectively.

The Boilermakers (5-0) stayed undefeated on the young 2011 season, paced by Ariel Turner's 12 kills and match-high nine digs. Rachel Davis recorded 34 assists while Turner chipped in two of Purdue's five aces and four of its 14 blocks on the day.

Senior captain Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) put up a team-best three blocks on the outing for the Black and Gold, while Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.) dished out 14 assists in the loss. Macy Mitravich (Waimanalo, Hawaii)'s seven digs were a team most for the Bulldogs.

With the loss, Bryant wraps up the Denver Invitational with a 1-2 record. The Bulldogs will next hit the floor when they open the 2011 Bryant Bulldog Invitational Friday, Sept. 9 against the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore at 4 p.m. The match is also the team's 2011 home opener.