SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant volleyball team wrapped up an impressive season in their fourth year in the America East Conference.

The Bulldogs earned their first America East regular season title, finishing as co-champions of the conference with UMBC. They also finished with seven regular season conference wins, the most in program history since joining the America East. The Bulldogs finished the season with a 16-12 record and went 7-3 in America East play. Bryant's season came to an end in the America East semifinal round, falling to the No. 3 seeded UAlbany Great Danes in straight sets.

Head coach Theresa Garlacy finished her 30^th season at the helm for the Bulldogs. Her overall coaching record improved to 630-418 (.601). Garlacy praises this group, citing their dedication to success:

"I couldn't be prouder of this championship team. We will raise a banner to them. Winning a regular season title is so difficult, I'm not sure people realize how hard the grind is to win consistently week in and week out. They never wavered in their support for each other and focusing on the team's goals. They have set the foundation for success in the America East!"

The Bulldogs picked up several notable victories this season. The first came on September 6^th, defeating Providence College on the road in five sets in the Ocean State Cup. It marked their first win at Alumni Hall since 2018.

Another big win came on September 17^th, beating the defending MAAC champion Fairfield in four sets at home. The win marked the start of a five-game winning streak for the Bulldogs. From that point on, the Bulldogs won 13 of their remaining 18 games to close out the season. Madison Koeller shattered records in the win, tallying 58 assists, ranking her third all-time in single-game assists in Bryant's Division I history.

The Bulldogs momentum carried over into their trip to Chestnut Hill, facing Boston College in the final match of the BC Invitational. The Bulldogs picked up their second win in program history against the Eagles, beating them in five sets and snapping a six-game losing streak dating back to 2013. It was Bryant's first-ever win in Chestnut Hill, spoiling the Eagles' perfect 11-0 start and handing them their first loss of the season.

Bryant's success in their non-conference slate helped them in the America East. The Bulldogs swept the defending champion New Hampshire Wildcats in their first road conference match, earning their first road win in Durham since 2011.

The Bulldogs performed well at the Chace Athletic Center this season, finishing with a 7-4 home record. They finished 4-1 at home in conference play, earning victories over UAlbany, Binghamton, New Hampshire, and NJIT. The final win over NJIT clinched a share of the America East regular season title for Bryant, with the Bulldogs sweeping the Highlanders on Senior Night.

The Bulldogs were led by America East Player of the Year Arianna Ugolini. It marks the first time Bryant has received a Player of the Year award in the Division I era. Ugolini also earned First Team All-Conference honors for the third consecutive season. She led the conference in kills (419), service aces (43), and points (476.5). Her 419 kills were a new career best. She surpassed 1,000 career kills and points this season and is now the fifth player in Bryant's Division I history to eclipse 1,000 career kills. Ugolini was selected to the America East All-Championship team, recording 17 kills in the semifinal round against UAlbany. 

The Bulldogs were also led by Brookelyn Talmadge, earning Second Team All-Conference honors. Talmadge led the America East in hitting percentage (.406), tallying a career best 178 kills. She also led the team with 72.0 total blocks this season.

Ruth Ochelli and Kaitlin Curran shined in their first season with the Bulldogs, each earning All-Rookie team honors for the America East. Ochelli finished the season with 204 kills, second best on the team. She averaged 2.37 kills/set. Curran finished with 202 kills, third on the team. She averaged 2.77 kills/set. She ranked third in the conference in service aces (34).

Madison Koeller ran the tempo for the Bulldogs offense this season. She set a new career best in assists, finishing with 815 this season. She surpassed 1,000 career assists as a Bulldog, becoming the seventh player in Bryant's Division I history to eclipse 1,000 assists. She ranked second in the conference in assists (815) and assists/set (8.67). Madison Keem and Melis Isik also contributed in massive ways at the setter position for the Bulldogs. Keem tallied 154 assists in her rookie campaign, tallying 26 assists at Providence on September 6th and a season best 28 assists at Binghamton on November 7th. Isik tallied 142 assists this season. She posted a career-high 37 assists against UMBC at home on November 2nd. 

Carrina Barron and Claudia Camacho-Castro were the anchors for the Bulldogs defense this season. Barron posted 396 digs, now sitting at 996 career digs entering her senior season next fall. She ranked fourth in the America East in digs/set (3.88). Camacho-Castro posted 223 digs, third best on the team. She also added 38 service aces, second on the team. She recorded a career best five service aces twice this season. The first came on September 6th at Providence, and the second came on October 17th at NJIT. 

Nina Gavin proved to be a spark off the bench for the Bulldogs all season long. She finished her junior season with 32 kills and 17 aces. She recorded a career-high 8 kills in a sweep over Binghamton on October 12th. 

Hannah Jackson appeared in four matches in her rookie campaign. She had an impressive showing against FIU on August 30th, recording a season best 6 kills. 

Ana Fuertes-Brito appeared in 13 matches in her final season with the Bulldogs. She finished with 34 kills, including a season high 12 kills at Duke in the season opener. 

Natalie Ricevuto appeared in 10 matches in her sophomore campaign. She finished with a career best 37 kills, including a career high 9 kills in a sweep over New Haven on September 23rd. 

Lea Mackey and Maeve Voltz always gave the Bulldogs a boost off the bench this season. Mackey posted 50 kills and 23.0 total blocks. She recorded a season high 8 kills against Rhode Island on September 6th and a season high five total blocks against Providence on September 6th. Voltz enjoyed her first season at Bryant after spending the previous three seasons with Springfield College. She finished with 38 kills and 13.0 total blocks. She recorded a season high 8 kills against FIU on August 30th. 

London Hunt put together an impressive final season. The senior captain finished with 145 kills and 70.0 total blocks. She ranked fourth in the America East in hitting percentage (.345). 

The Bulldogs collected many accolades this season, like their first America East regular season title, the most America East wins in program history, and their first Division I Player of the Year Award recipient. Bryant will rely on the leadership from the junior class for next season, including Carrina Barron, Brookelyn Talmadge, Madison Koeller, Nina Gavin, and Nadine Abdat. The future is bright for the Bulldogs for next season.