Volleyball Beats LIU, Clinches Share of Regular Season Title

SMITHFIELD, R.I.- The Bryant women's volleyball team avenged their only conference loss with a 3-2 win over LIU. It was the Bulldogs' 9th straight win and clinched a share of the NEC regular season title.

Match Information

Bryant 3, LIU 2 (25-22, 15-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)

Records: Bryant (19-9, 11-1 NEC), LIU (11-13, 8-4 NEC)

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

Coach Garlacy's Comments: 

"What a fun match with multiple players stepping up, including seniors Jenna Knight with three aces and an assist and Caroline Kennedy with a career high 22 kills and four blocks. Riley James and Alysa Wright were super efficient hitting as well. It was a total team effort, showing our depth and willingness to do what it takes to protect the Chace!

How it Happened:

Set 1: Both teams traded points to start the first set, but LIU used a 6-1 run to take control. Bryant managed to comeback, scoring seven straight points later in the set to take a 17-13 lead. They held the advantage, going on to win the set by three. Riley James had six kills in the first set for the Bulldogs. 

Set 2: LIU scored the first point of the second set, and withstood multiple runs by the Bulldogs. Bryant tied the match three times but  never led, and the Sharks eventually pulled away to win by ten. Caroline Kennedy and Alysa Wright combined on two blocks for the Bulldogs in the set.

Set 3: Bryant used a 5-0 run to take the early Set 3 lead, and stayde in front for most of the set. LIU was able to comeback however, using a 9-1 run to go ahead 25-23. Caroline Kennedy had eight kills against only one error for the Bulldogs.

Set 4: The Bulldogs opened the fourth set with a 3-0 run, and stayed ahead throughout the set, never allowing the Sharks to even tie the score. They would go on to win by six. Aubrey Lapour and Caroline Kennedy had five kills each for Bryant in the set.

Set 5: LIU scored the first two points of the decisive fifth set, but the Bulldogs responded with a 7-1 run to take over the lead. They were able to extend the lead to as many as four, and held the Sharks at bay all the way to a 15-12 victory. Caroline Kennedy and Alysa Wright had four kills each for Bryant to close the match.

Bulldog Notes and Notables

• Caroline Kennedy led all players and set a new career high with 22 kills in the match. She did so with a .500 hitting percentage on 36 total attempts, and also had four block assists.

• Bryant broke their season high with 69 kills in the match on a .261 hitting percentage. In addition to Kennedy, Riley James had 17 kills and Alysa Wright finished with 12.

• Mia Cergol set a career high with 59 assists in the match. She also had a team high 14 digs, good for her 10th double-double on the season.

• The Bulldogs finished with eight total blocks, with seven different players recording either a solo or assist. Alysa Wright led with five block assists for Bryant.

• With the win over LIU, the Bulldogs have now defeated every team in the NEC at least once this season. They also finish with an undefeated record at home during conference play.