SMITHFIELD, R.I.- The Bryant women's volleyball team will open their 2024 campaign this weekend competing in the Florida Atlantic Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida. The Bulldogs will faceoff against FAU and Ball State on Friday August 30th and conclude play against Seton Hall on Saturday August 31st.
Location: Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena
Bryant at Florida Atlantic
Time: Friday, 12:00 PM
Watch: Fausports.com
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
Bulldog Notes and Notables
- Bryant head coach Theresa Garlacy enters the 2024 season just four wins away from 600 in her coaching career. Garlacy currently ranks 14th among all active Division I coaches.
- The Bulldogs return all but one starter from 2023 including two of the America East's most formidable offensive duos in Aubrey LaPour and Arianna Ugolini. Both players were named All-Conference First Team last season and combined for over 750 kills. LaPour enters the 2024 campaign as an America East Preseason All-Conference selection. Ugolini led the America East in service aces with 48 (39th in the NCAA).
- After being sidelined for most of 2023 due to injury, Fabi Castro returns to action for the Black and Gold. In her last full season in 2022, Castro had 160 kills (1.45 k/s) in 31 matches and had 15 service aces.
- On the defensive side, Brookelyn Talmadge will look to continue her success in 2024 after a fantastic rookie season last year. In 2023, Talmadge would be named to the America East's All-Rookie Team after finishing the year with a line of 196 kills, 47 digs, and a team leading 88 blocks (6th most in conference).
- Senior Carolina Camacho will have a familiar face joining her final season as her younger sister Claudia Camacho-Castro is set to make her collegiate debut. Last year, Carolina posted 626 assists (5.31 a/s) and also had 28 aces.
Scouting the Owls
- Following the departure of Arianna Beckham, FAU will turn to seniors Katelynn Robine and Valeria Rosado to lead the Owls offense. Both players had over 250 kills, with Rosado leading pair with 275.
- Kaila Ru will also be a notable player to watch in this match as she had 211 kills (1.94k/s) last fall. Ru was also the team's leading blocker from a season ago with 93 total.
- In her rookie season for FAU Isabelle Northam led the team win service aces with 39.
- The setter to watch for the Owls is junior Victoria Hensley. Last season, Hensley had 1106 assists (9.22 a/s).
Bryant vs Ball State
Time: Friday, 4:00 PM
Watch: FloSports
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
Scouting the Cardinals
- Leading the offense for the Cardinals will be sophomore Aniya Kennedy. In 2023, she totaled 470 kills (4.12 k/s) leading all other teammates by more than 150.
- The defensive unit for Ball State will showcase Madison Buckley and Camryn Wise. Buckley led the team in total blocks a season ago with 96. Wise finished right behind her with 93.
- The team's primary setter is Megan Wielonski. In 32 matches last year, Wielonski tallied 1,269 assists (10.58). She also led the team in service aces with 40.
- The Cardinals are coached by Kerri Miller Phillips who is entering her 9th season at the helm.
Bryant vs Seton Hall
Time: Saturday, 11:00 AM
Watch: FloSports
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
Scouting the Pirates:
- Seton Hall is coached by Shannon Thompson who will begin her second season in 2024.
- Madeline Matheny was the pirates top offensive option in 2024 as she racked up 270 kills across 28 total matches played. Perri Lucas also tallied over 200 kills for Seton Hall in 2023; averaging 2.32 k/s.
- Asli Subasili will be a key defensive piece in the middle for the Pirates. In 91 sets last year, she totaled 95 blocks (1.05 BLK/S) and also led her team in service aces with 29.
- After posting over 500 assists for Seton Hall in 2023, Maddie Klungel will once again be a key part of facilitating the Pirates offense.
