October 03, 2010

BRYANT DROPS 3-1 DECISION TO SAINT FRANCIS (PA) SUNDAY ON THE ROAD

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Freshman Kendall Gaffney (Colorado Springs, Colo.) posted 10 kills and three aces to lead the Bulldogs Sunday afternoon, but didn't find the help she needed as the Bryant University volleyball team fell to Northeast Conference foe Saint Francis (PA), 3-1, on the road to close out weekend action.

Sophomore Macy Mitravich (Waimanalo, Hawaii) recorded a match-best 21 digs to pace the Bulldogs (13-8, 1-3 NEC) defensively, while Lindsay Molloy's 18 kills and eight service aces were both match bests to lead the Red Flash (4-13, 2-2) to the four-set win.

After taking the first set, 25-21, the Black and Gold struggled to get the dominant play they were used to seeing in the season's first half, falling in the next three frames, 25-20, 25-11 and 26-24 at DeGol Arena.

Bulldog rookie Alexandria Clyburn (Cartersville, Ga.) matched Saint Francis's Elizabeth Williams with a contest-high four blocks on the day, while Gaffney also chipped in a pair of stuffs. Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.) collected 28 of the Bulldogs' 31 assists, while classmate Emily Kaup (Chandler, Ariz.) was also a strong part of Bryant's offensive game, registering eight kills in the outing. SFU's Kierstin Kiser recorded 43 assists to lead the match.

Bryant will play on the road again midweek when it travels to Worcester, Mass. to take on Holy Cross Wednesday at 7 p.m. before returning home to host NEC opponents Fairleigh Dickinson and Long Island on Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 9-10. The Bulldogs will host their annual "Dig Pink" event during Saturday's match against the Knights (5 p.m.). To donate to the Side-Out Foundation and Bryant volleyball's dig pink campaign to support breast cancer research and awareness, visit the Bulldogs' donation homepage.