September 25, 2010

BRYANT VOLLEYBALL FALLS IN CONFERENCE OPENER, 3-0, TO CENTRAL CONNECTICUT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University volleyball team couldn't keep its win streak alive as the Bulldogs kicked off 2010 Northeast Conference play, falling to Central Connecticut, 3-0, Saturday afternoon in New Britain, Conn.

Rookie Kendall Gaffney (Colorado Springs, Colo.) recorded 11 kills to lead a Bulldog side that was without two of its top offensive weapons in the junior duo of Maria Scocca (Melrose, Mass.) and Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.).

The Bulldogs (12-6, 0-1 NEC) kept it close in the first and third games, dropping 25-23 decisions to the Blue Devils (3-9, 1-0), but fell by a 25-18 mark in the middle frame to suffer the three-set defeat on the road.

Jamie Rademacher paced the match with 16 kills for CCSU while Amanda Bayer recorded a match-best 40 assists on the day. Bryant senior Robyn Gardner (Lake Brantley, Fla.) tied a match high with 12 digs to lead the Bulldogs.

Bryant outblocked its opponent, 15-6, led by sophomore Emily Kaup (Chandler, Ariz.), who recorded four blocks to pace both sides on the afternoon. Rookies Alexandria Clyburn (Cartersville, Ga.) and Nicole Percz (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.) each chipped in a trio of block assists apiece, as well.

The Bulldogs look to get back on track Sunday, as they host NEC foe Quinnipiac at the Chace Athletic Center in a 1 p.m. matchup.