Volleyball Uses Reverse Sweep to Clinch Playoff Spot

SMITHFIELD, R.I.- The Bryant women's volleyball team overcame a 2-0 deficit against St. Francis Brooklyn to win their eighth straight match and clinch a spot in the NEC tournament. 

Match Information

Bryant 3, SFC 2 (19-25, 19-25, 25-17, 31-29, 15-12)

Records: Bryant (18-9, 10-1 NEC), SFC (7-19, 3-8 NEC)

Location: Chace Athletic Center (Smithfield, R.I.)

Coach Garlacy's Comments:

"This was a crucial win tonight to secure a spot in the conference tournament. After a slow start, we started making the big plays. Both teams were very scrappy and made it hard to score. It was a big team effort tonight; love how we protect home too."

How it Happened: 

Set 1: Bryant scored first and had the early advantage in the opener, but St. Francis used a 5-0 run to take the lead. The Terriers held off the Bulldogs for the remainder of the set, winning by six. Alysa Wright and Haley O'Brien had four kills each to lead the Bulldogs.

Set 2: The Bulldogs once again took the early lead in Set 2, but St. Francis tied the match at four. Both teams went back and forth, with the Terriers breaking a 12 all tie to take the set lead for good. Caroline Kennedy and Emma McGovern had four kills each for Bryant.

Set 3: The third set, like the first two, started with a Bryant score before SFC came back to tie at four. The two teams traded points for awhile, before the Bulldogs used a 8-1 run to pull out in front. O'Brien assisted on all three blocks in the set for Bryant.

Set 4: The marathon fourth set was tight from the beginning. Both teams went on the seesaw, going back and forth to the tune of 11 ties and seven lead changes. Bryant finally strung together consecutive points in extended play to secure the 31-29 win. Kennedy had five kills and two blocks in the set for the Bulldogs.

Set 5: Much like the rest of the match, the final set was incredibly close throughout. There were nine ties, but St. Francis was only able to take the lead for one point (5-4) before the Bulldogs retook control. A 3-0 run punctuated the set and completed the comeback for Bryant. McGovern had four kills for the Bulldogs in the final set.

Bulldog Notes and Notables

• Bryant's eight game win streak is the longest by any team in the NEC this season, and is among the top twenty longest active streaks in the nation. 

• The Bulldogs reached 60 kills in a match for the first time this season, finishing with 62. Caroline Kennedy had 17 and Emma McGovern had 16 to lead the team.

• The Bulldogs finished with ten total blocks, their fifth match this season reaching double digits. Haley O'Brien led the way with six assists and two solo blocks.

• Mia Cergol posted her ninth double-double of the season, with 16 digs and a season high 47 assists.