August 31, 2008

VOLLEYBALL SPLITS SUNDAY DOUBLEHEADER, LOSES 3-2 HEARTBREAKER TO NAVY BEFORE 3-0 VICTORY

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ANNAPOLIS - Freshman Jazmin Stoner's (Durango, Colo.) team-high 26 kills on the day led the Bryant University volleyball team to a Sunday split at the Trident Classic in Annapolis, Md., as the Bulldogs took a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to host Navy before coming back big for a 3-0 win over future Northeast Conference rival, Saint Francis (NY).

All three freshmen registered double-digit kills in the five-set effort against Navy (3-0) to open Sunday play, with Stoner's 15 leading the way. Fellow freshman Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) recorded 12 (4 block assists, 1 solo block) while rookie Hilary Andrews (Tipp City, Ohio) chipped in 11 (6 digs, 3 BA).

The Bulldogs won sets one and three, before falling just short in the fifth, shortened set, 11-15.

But the team came back big in its nightcap, not allowing Saint Francis (NY) to take a single set. Led again by Stoner (game-high 11 kills, 4 service aces, 4 digs), the Bulldogs (2-1) never allowed the Terriers (0-3) to pass the 15-point mark, winning the first two sets, 25-13.

Sophomore middle hitter Adrienne Boss (Dracut, Mass.) also registered 11 kills to help lead the Bulldogs, while Scocca and Sherika Nichols (East Patchogue, N.Y.) each chipped in six apiece.

Both Stoner and libero/defensive specialist Delia Glover (Marston Mills, Mass.) were recognized for their strong play, named to the Trident Classic All-Tournament team.

The Bulldogs now return to Smithfield, R.I., to await their next opponent, the University of Hartford, Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Sacred Heart Tournament, where they will also take on Holy Cross and host Sacred Heart.