Bulldogs Defeat UMBC, Will Play For Regular Season Title on Sunday

SMITHFIELD, R.I.- The Bryant volleyball team kept their hopes of an America East regular season title alive with an electric five-set win over UMBC on Friday night at the Chace. 

Riley James and Caroline Kennedy each had 16 kills to lead the Bulldogs over the defending conference champs. Mia Cergol tied her season high with 51 assists and Haley O'Brien led the team with six blocks.

Coach Garlacy's Comments: "What an exciting win tonight in a packed Chace. The fans got their money's worth watching multiple players step up. Carol and Riley led us in kills, Josie led us in digs, and Mia ran the offense with speed and confidence. The bench was loud and supportive, so typical of this unselfish team. Looking forward to Sunday!"

Bryant 3, UMBC 2 (25-20, 22-25, 25-13, 19-25, 15-9)

Records: BRY (19-10, 6-3 AE), UMBC (14-8, 6-3 AE)

How it Happened

Set 1: A Riley James kill kickstarted a 3-1 run for Bryant to open the match. UMBC came back to tie it at five, but the Bulldogs responded with a 6-1 run to give them an 11-6 lead. The Retrievers cut into the lead a few times, but Bryant was able to stave off the run to take the set. Aubrey Lapour had four kills and a block for the Bulldogs.

Set 2: Eight ties and five lead changes marked a back-and-forth second set. Bryant opened up a 17-13 lead, but UMBC came back to take a 21-18 lead, forcing the Bulldogs into a timeout. Bryant cut the lead back to one, but UMBC scored the final two points to take the set. Riley James had four kills and three aces for Bryant.

Set 3: A UMBC kill opened the third, but Bryant responded with six consecutive points to open a five-point lead. The Retrievers cut the lead back to two, but the Bulldogs used another big run to extend their to 12, winning the set by that margin. Caroline Kennedy led all players with five kills in the set.

Set 4: UMBC took control in Set 4, opening up a five-point lead before Bryant burned their first timeout. The Bulldogs cut into the lead multiple times, but could not come back. Riley James led the offensive attack with six kills for Bryant.

Set 5: The Bulldogs responded from their Set 4 loss with a 6-0 run to start the deciding final set. They held control for most of the set, opening up an eight-point lead at match point. UMBC scored three consecutive points before Kennedy and Alysa Wright combined on a block to seal the set and the match.

Bulldog Notes and Notables

• Riley James and Caroline Kennedy each tied their season-highs with 16 kills, combining for 32 of Bryant's season-high 64 kills. 

• James had seven of the Bulldogs' season-high 13 aces, tying her career-high. Her 23.5 total points led all players and were a season-high.

• Alysa Wright's Set 1 ace was her 30th of the season, making her the only player in Division I with 200 kills, 100 blocks, and 30 aces on the season. 

• Mia Cergol posted her second 50-assist match of the season, tying her season-high with 51. She also had four kills, two blocks, and three aces.

• The Bulldogs eclipsed 60 kills for the third time this season and second in conference play. 

What's next: The Bulldogs will play for an America East regular season title on Sunday. They will be hosting Binghamton at 1:00 pm for senior day at the Chace.