Van Dyk, Wilczynski earn all-tournament, Bulldogs drop closer to Red Storm

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Sophomore outside hitter and all-tournament team selection Claire Van Dyk (New Richmond, Wis.) once again led the Bryant University volleyball team with 12 kills, but St. John's proved too much to handle in the Bulldogs' fourth match in 24 hours, as the Red Storm clipped their hosts, 3-0, in the final contest of the 2013 Bryant Invitational.

St. John's (11-4) saw tournament MVP Aleksandra Wachowicz put down 11 kills with a contest-best nine digs while fellow all-tournament team honoree Karin Palgutova recorded 17 kills with three blocks to lead the match and keep the Red Storm undefeated on the weekend.

The Bulldogs (2-13) saw eight digs from senior Mikayla LaRosa (Marysville, Wash.) to lead the hosts defensively, while classmate Alexandria Clyburn (Cartersville, Ga.) recorded a match-high four blocks, including the only solo stuff of the night.

Rookie Mallory Wilczynski (Cary, Ill.) added seven more kills on the evening with an ace and three blocks, running her tournament total to 33 kills and 10 blocks for an all-tournament team nod of her own. Sophomore setter Jana Kmec (Stratford, Conn.) registered 27 of the team's 32 assists and served up a pair of the team's six aces on the nightcap.

The Black and Gold forced the issue with a tough St. John's side all night long, dropping the opening frame, 25-15, despite starting the match in a four-point hole. In the second, Bryant led well into the set, holding a 17-13 lead before St. John's came storming back to knot the game at 18-18. The visitors would continue their hot hitting en route to a 24-20 advantage, but the Bulldogs weren't ready to give in, tying the frame at 24-24 and again at 25-25. The Red Storm would eventually take the set, 27-25, and earn another match win with a 25-19 victory in the third.

The Bulldogs finished the 2013 Bryant Invitational 2-2 overall. Van Dyk paced the team with 50 kills (4.17 per set) and 40 digs (3.33 per set), leading the hosts in both categories. She added three aces, three blocks and a .969 reception percentage as well. Sophomore middle blocker Taylor Onoyan (Crystal Lake, Ill.) led the Black and Gold on the block with 12, while Kmec amassed 133 assists (10.2/set) throughout the four-match weekend.

The Bulldogs leave tournament play behind them with the conclusion of the Bryant Invitational and will return to the court Wednesday, Sept. 25 to take on intrastate rival Providence College at 6:00 p.m.