Bulldogs drop pair Friday at UConn Dog Pound Challenge

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Sophomore setter Vika Nesterov (Kfar Saba, Israel) recorded two more double-doubles to extend her season-opening streak to six matches, but the Bryant University volleyball team suffered its first defeats of the season Friday at the UConn Dog Pound Challenge.

In the tournament opener, the Bulldogs (4-2) took a 1-0 match lead over the host Huskies (2-2), 27-25, but wouldn't break the 20-point mark again in a 3-1 loss. Bryant was paced by 10 kills from freshman Margot Ruffieux (Cary, N.C.), while Nesterov posted 18 assists with 14 digs (6 kills). Fellow rookie Sophie Hoekstra (Millersville, Md.) added eight kills with five blocks, while senior Taylor Onoyan (Crystal Lake, Ill.) added five blocks of her own, including two solo stuffs. Senior Debora Magalhaes (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) paced the match with 18 digs.

UConn's Jade Strawberry led the match with 15 kills, while Emma Turner dished out 29 assists. Kenya Cason posted 17 digs for the home side.

In the nightcap, the Bulldogs were once again paced by a rookie, as Kristin Kingi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) registered 10 kills. Despite her match-leading effort, the Black and Gold fell to James Madison (5-1) in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19 and 25-12.

Nesterov posted 13 assists with 12 digs and five kills on the contest, while Hoekstra added six kills with six digs. Freshman setter Kirstyn Sperry (Phoenix, Ariz.) handed out 12 helpers, while Magalhaes registered 12 digs on the match.

Janey Goodman and Bryn Recker led the Dukes with nine kills apiece, while Sarah Patterson paced the contest with 27 assists. Taylor Austin's 17 digs were a match best, while Taylor Gail posted six stuffs on the night.

The Bulldogs continue with UConn Dog Pound Challenge play Saturday, taking on UMBC at 11:00 a.m.