October 16, 2010

PIONEERS AMBUSH BULLDOGS, BRYANT DROPS 3-0 DECISION ON ROAD

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Sacred Heart didn't need long to dismantle an injury-ridden Bulldog side Saturday afternoon on its home court, as Dianis Mercado put down a match-best 14 kills to lead the Pioneers to a 3-0 victory over the Bryant University volleyball team to remain the only squad still undefeated in Northeast Conference play.

Once again missing two key offensive weapons in juniors Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) and Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.), Bryant (14-11, 2-5 NEC) relied heavily on a talent-laden but young freshman class against the Northeast Conference's top seed. Sacred Heart (18-4, 7-0) – now the winner of 12 straight – capitalized on its opponent's loss, getting to the visiting Bulldogs early in the three-set effort for its 18th win of the season.

Johanna Ovsenek followed up Mercado's 14-kill performance with 11 of her own and added a .526 attack percentage for the home team en route to 25-11, 25-14 and 25-8 wins on the day, while the Black and Gold would find just 17 kills in the outing, led by six from rookie Mariah Burgess (Urbana, Ill).

Sacred Heart put up 10 blocks to Bryant's five, with Ovsenek accounting for five on her own (2 solo, 3 assists). Frosh Alexandria Clyburn (Cartersville, Ga.) paced the Bulldog side with two stuffs on the day, while Burgess recorded Bryant's only solo block. Setter Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.) posted 11 assists and led the team defensively with seven digs.

Stoner, who had missed the last eight matches due to injury, appeared for the first time in nearly a month (Sept. 19) Saturday afternoon, but saw limited action against the Pioneers, playing in just one set with only a single attack attempt. Scocca, also hampered by injury, did not see action in the matchup. The pair currently leads the team in both kills per game and points per game.

Bryant will look to get back to winning but will not have time to rest before its next matchup, as the Bulldogs take on NEC opponent St. Francis (NY) on the road Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.).