SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant women's volleyball team begins their season this weekend in Durham, North Carolina, where they'll face Duke, FIU, and Houston.

Duke Tournament
Location: Durham, North Carolina, Cameron Indoor Stadium
First Match: Friday, August 29^th - 6:00 PM vs. Duke
Second Match: Saturday, August 30^th – 2:00 PM vs. FIU
Third Match: Sunday, August 31^st – 11:30 AM vs. Houston
Watch: Duke | FIU | Houston
Live Stats: Sidearm

Statement from Coach:
"We're playing some very high caliber teams," Coach Garlacy said.
"They have powerful attacks and serves. We have to play some challenging matches to get us ready for the rest of the season."

Bryant vs. The Field

• This marks the first-ever meeting between Bryant and Duke in women's volleyball.
• Bryant is 3-8 all-time against ACC opponents including Boston College, Syracuse, and Miami. The last time the Bulldogs faced an ACC opponent was September 28^th, 2022, when they lost 3-2 at Boston College. Their last win against the ACC came on September 16^th, 2022, when they defeated Syracuse, 3-2, in Storrs, Connecticut.
• Both coaches in this matchup have eclipsed 600 career wins (Jolene Nagel – Duke, Theresa Garlacy – Bryant).
• Bryant and FIU will meet for the first time ever on Saturday.
• The Bulldogs are 1-2 all-time against Conference USA opponents. Their lone win came against Middle Tennessee on September 7^th, 2018, 3-0.
• Bryant and Houston will meet for the first time ever on Sunday.
• This will be the first time the Bulldogs have ever faced a Big 12 opponent in women's volleyball.

Bryant Notes and Notables

• Bryant is ranked fourth in the preseason America East poll.
• The Bulldogs led the America East conference in service aces last season, piling up 201 total (1.84 avg/s). They also ranked second in digs with 1571 total (14.41 avg/s), and second in kills with 1431 (13.13 avg/s).
• Senior outside hitter Arianna Ugolini was named to the preseason America East All-Conference First Team for the first time in her career. She's been selected to the All-America East First Team twice in her career, recording 300+ kills in each of her two seasons at Bryant.

About the Blue Devils:

• The Blue Devils finished the 2024 season with a 10-21 record, going 6-14 in ACC play.
• Duke lost 7 out of its last 8 matches to end the season in 2024.
• Friday also marks the season opener for Duke.

About the Panthers:

• FIU finished 8-25 last season with a 6-12 record in Conference USA play.
• The Panthers lost 5 out of their last 7 matches to end the season in 2024.
• FIU squares off against Houston on Friday in Durham for their season opener.

About the Cougars:

• Houston finished 12-16 last season with a 7-11 record in Big 12 play.
• The Cougars lost 6 out of their last 7 matches to end the season in 2024.
• Houston faces FIU and Duke before closing out the tournament against Bryant.