September 22, 2010

BULLDOGS KEEP ON WINNING, TOP HARTFORD 3-1 WEDNESDAY NIGHT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University volleyball team extended its streak to four-straight victories Wednesday night, taking a 3-1 road win over the University of Hartford.

Junior Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) recorded nine blocks and 14 kills to lead the match in both categories, but her most impressive number came in the solo block column, posting a career-high five in the four-set win. Scocca made just three errors on the day for a .379 hitting percentage, also adding four aces for 25 total points.

Rookie Kaitlyn Klein (Modesto, Calif.) proved her strong weekend was no accident, collecting 12 kills for the Black and Gold, while sophomore setter Jadith Lorenzo (Lawrence, Mass.) recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 35 assists (tied for a match high) and 13 digs.

The Bulldogs (12-5) needed extra points to take a 1-0 edge Wednesday night in Hartford, topping the host Hawks (5-11), 27-25, before upping their lead to 2-0 with a 25-16 win in the second set.

Hartford came back to take the third game, 25-20, but it wouldn't be enough to snap the Bulldogs' streak. Bryant outlasted its host, 25-22, in the fourth frame to seal its fourth-straight victory and ninth in the last 11 outings.

Bryant outblocked its opponent, 16-12, on the day and saw six aces to the Hawks' five. Michelle Cordell recorded 13 kills to lead the home side, while Danielle Etta led the game defensively with 28 digs.

The Bulldogs return to the court Saturday afternoon, marking the start of Northeast Conference play with a 4:00 p.m. matchup against Central Connecticut before returning home to the Chace Athletic Center for a Sunday afternoon contest against Quinnipiac (1 p.m.).