Pioneers handle Bulldogs, 3-0

BULLDOGS OUT-BLOCK PIONEERS BUT CAN'T GET WIN, FALL TO SACRED HEART, 3-0 SATURDAY NIGHT ON ROAD

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Karly Shockey recorded the only double-double of the match, including a contest-high 12 kills, to lead Sacred Heart to a 3-0 win over the Bryant University volleyball team Saturday night in Fairfield, Conn.

The Bulldogs (9-19, 3-8 Northeast Conference) were led by seven kills from junior Kaitlyn Klein (Modesto, Calif.) and 16 assists and nine digs from senior captain Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.). Bryant dropped close sets in the first and third, 25-23 and 25-22, falling in the middle frame by a 25-18 margin for the three-set Pioneer (8-18, 6-6) victory.

Dianis Mercado was the only other player to record double-figure kills with 11 from the hosts, while Sara Fernandez posted a match-high 18 digs. Alisa Mesa dished out 38 of Sacred Heart's 39 assists, as well, while both teams recorded a pair of aces.

The Bulldogs owned the block Saturday on the road, putting up 18 team blocks to the Pioneers' four. Five different players recorded a solo stuff, including two from senior captain Emily Kaup (Chandler, Ariz.), while six got in on the action at the net. Junior Alexandria Clyburn (Cartersville, Ga.), sophomore Jocelyn Taylor (Marlborough, Conn.) and Kaup each registered a contest-high six blocks to pace 30 Bryant solo and block assists.

The Bulldogs look to snap their current four-match losing skid Tuesday night, when they travel to Hamden, Conn., to take on league rival Quinnipiac at 7:00 p.m.