SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University volleyball team broke out of its slump in a big way Friday afternoon, using a .423 attack percentage and nine total aces to get past UMass Lowell, 3-0, for its first win of the season in the opening match of the 2013 Bryant Invitational.

Rookie Mallory Wilczynski (Cary, Ill.) and sophomore Claire Van Dyk (New Richmond, Wis.) paced the matchup with nine kills apiece, while sophomore Taylor Onoyan (Crystal Lake, Ill.) added eight in her first start of the season. Onoyan (.583) and Wilczynski (.500) were two of four different Bulldogs (1-11) to post hitting percentages of .500 or better (Sara DePouw, .600; Victoria Bryan, .600).

Bryant's nine aces came from five different sources, including a trio each from rookies Sara DePouw (Oconto, Wis.) and Carissa Gould (Woonsocket, R.I.). UMass Lowell (0-9) benefitted from just a single ace and saw seven service errors in 25-8, 25-15 and 25-16 losses. The River Hawks were led by six kills from Brooke Peterson and 11 digs from Carolyn Eddy, who also served up the team's only ace.

Sophomore setter Jana Kmec (Stratford, Conn.) put up 29 assists in the outing and added five digs with two blocks, while Onoyan paced the game at the net with four stuffs. DePouw added the only solo block of the day, while Wilczynski led the Black and Gold with nine digs.

In total, the Bulldogs won the battle over the River Hawks in digs, 36-25, assists, 36-17, and kills, 41-18, in a match that lasted just over an hour.

With their first victory now behind them, the Bulldogs will look to carry their momentum into the nightcap of the Bryant Invitational's opening day. Bryant will take on Princeton University at 8:00 p.m. at the Chace Athletic Center before resuming tournament action Saturday. Fans can watch live for free at NECFrontRow.com.