Bulldog volleyball names Lunsford, Flynn captains for 2017 season

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University volleyball coach Theresa Garlacy has announced that senior Ally Lunsford (Minneola, Fla.) and junior Julia Flynn (Pembroke, Mass.) will serve as captains for the 2017 season.

Returning starters and key impact players for the Bulldogs, the duo was selected by their peers and the coaching staff and will anchor the Black and Gold as the team competes for its third-straight Northeast Conference Tournament berth this fall.

"Ally and Julia show great enthusiasm and devotion to the Bulldog volleyball program," said Garlacy. "They accept the challenge before them to ensure that each team member fits comfortably into the group and to ensure that we compete as a team. This drive and support can take us all the way to the NCAA tournament."

A three-year starter and top blocker for the Black and Gold, Lunsford has led the squad at the net throughout her career. The senior middle posted 71 stuffs last season to pace the side and has 273 total blocks over her last three seasons. Lunsford has also eclipsed the 150-kill mark in all three campaigns, including a career-high 179 (2.11 kills/set) as a junior.

A two-year starter at outside hitter, Flynn led the Bulldog attack last season, posting 297 kills (3.09 per set) and averaging 3.36 points per frame to earn an All-NEC Second Team selection. The high-flying power hitter set a program record with 34 kills against Robert Morris on Oct. 23 and finished the season with 10 double-doubles, also posting 233 digs (2.43/set) and 23 blocks on the year.

The Bulldogs open 2017 play at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Tournament August 25-26 and will open at home Aug. 29 against Quinnipiac.