October 24, 2010

PIONEERS STAY UNDEFEATED IN CONFERENCE, TOPPLE BULLDOGS, 3-0, SUNDAY AFTERNOON

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Six kills from junior Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.) would mark the peak of the Bulldogs' offensive output against Sacred Heart Sunday afternoon, while classmate Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) chipped in five kills and a match-best five blocks as the Bryant University volleyball team fell to the Pioneers, 3-0, at the Chace Athletic Center.

The Bulldogs (15-13, 2-7 Northeast Conference) fought for as long as they could against a sharp Pioneer (20-4, 9-0) side, but in the end, Sacred Heart overpowered the home team, winning sets in order, 25-12, 25-18 and 25-14.

Dianis Mercado's 11 kills marked a match high for the visitors while Ashlyn Trimble would be the only other player to record double digits on offense. Sacred Heart used an impressive 10 aces to get past the Black and Gold – led by three apiece from senior setter Courtney Kidd-Kadlubek (match-best 38 assists) and libero Jessica Colberg – and Mercado posted 12 digs to pace the match defensively for the only double-double of the affair.

For the Bulldogs, sophomore Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.) put up 22 assists, while senior captain Robyn Gardner (Lake Brantley, Fla.) registered 11 digs. The home side outblocked its opponent, 13-4, and was led by five from Scocca (1 solo, 4 assists). Sophomore Emily Kaup (Chandler, Ariz.) added four blocks of her own in the outing, while rookie Nicole Percz (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.) served up Bryant's only ace of the match.

The Bulldogs remain at home for the next three conference matches, taking on Central Connecticut on Wednesday night (Oct. 27, 7 p.m.) before hosting Saint Francis (PA) and Robert Morris on Halloween Weekend to close out October action.