Bulldogs drop NEC opener, 3-1

VOLLEYBALL FALLS TO ROBERT MORRIS SATURDAY, 3-1, TO OPEN NEC PLAY

Smithfield, R.I. – The Bryant University volleyball team dropped their opening Northeast Conference contest, 3-1, against Robert Morris Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs fall to 5-11 (0-1 in NEC) on the season while the Colonials improve to 5-11, 1-0 in the NEC.

After dropping the opening set, 25-11, the Black and Gold rallied in the second, winning 25-18 to even the score. Robert Morris went on to win the final two sets, 25-11, 25-18, en route to a 3-1 victory.

The Bulldogs featured a balanced attack with five players registering at least six kills. Junior outside hitter Kaitlyn Klein (Modesto, Calif.) led Bryant with a team-high 10 kills, while classmate Alexandria Clyburn (Catersville, Ga.) added nine kills of her own.

Freshman Claire Van Dyk (New Richmond, Wis.) chipped in with seven kills, adding to her team-leading 156 kills. Jana Kmec (Stratford, Conn.) led Bryant with 17 assists, while Jordan Thornlow (Colorado Springs, Colo.) finished the contest with 13 helpers.

The Colonials were led by Amanda Craig and Lindsey Monger who finished with 13 and 14 kills, respectively. Craig registered an impressive game-high kill percentage of .500.  Hannah Hoffman assisted on 32 scoring plays and also recorded two blocks on the day. Erica Robb and Monger led the home team in digs with 13 and 11, respectively.

The Bulldogs will have an opportunity to earn their first NEC win of the season when they square-up with Saint Francis (PA) on Sunday. Match time is set for 1 p.m.

For links to video of tomorrows action and all the latest news on Bryant University volleyball, visit BryantBulldogs.com.