September 17, 2010

BRYANT TAKES NIGHTCAP IN FRIDAY ACTION AT WEST POINT CHALLENGE WEEKEND

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – A breakout match from rookie Kaitlyn Klein (Modesto, Calif.) and double-digit kill performances by juniors Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) and Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.) vaulted the Bryant University volleyball team to a 3-1 win over Hofstra Friday night, earning the Bulldogs a split of Day One action after falling to host Army in three sets at the West Point Challenge Weekend.

Klein's 12 kills in a 3-1 nightcap win over Hofstra (5-9) were a team best and career high for the first-year outside hitter, who made just a single error with 19 attacks for an impressive .579 hitting percentage. Scocca also chipped in 12 on the attack, while Stoner – who led the Bulldogs (9-5) against Army in the first match of the day with eight kills – added 10 for a Friday kill total of 18.

Sophomore setter Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.) recorded a match-high 40 assists in the victory after collecting 15 in a 3-0 loss to a tough Black Knight (5-7) side, while senior Robyn Gardner (Lake Brantley, Fla.) paced Bryant in both contests, collecting 13 and 17 digs against Hofstra and Army, respectively.

After falling to the hosts in three sets, 25-20, 25-19 and 25-20, in the opener – a game whose bright spot came in the form of 10 blocks, including three apiece from Lorenzo and rookie Nicole Percz (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.) – Bryant came out in match two with a first-set loss against the Pride, 25-19.

But the Bulldogs wouldn't fall again for the remainder of the day, forcing extra points in the second game to win 26-24 before knocking Hofstra down 25-14 for a 2-1 match advantage.

The Pride fought but couldn't overcome the Bulldogs in the fourth and final game, as Bryant took a 25-20 victory and a 3-1 win in the contest.

Marina Markovic led the match with 13 kills for the Pride, while Kylee Maneja's 21 digs were a contest best. Ayesha Hein and Savannah Benton recorded seven blocks for the Bulldog opponents.

Bryant will have an off day at the West Point Challenge Weekend on Saturday and will return to tournament action Sunday morning when the Black and Gold face off against Air Force (10 a.m.) and Buffalo (5 p.m.).