Box Score CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Bryant University women's volleyball team fell to Charlotte, 3-0, in its season opener and first match of the Charlotte Tournament Friday, Aug. 28, at Halton Arena. The Bulldogs (0-1) played the 49ers (1-0) tight in all three sets despite the defeat.
Senior captain Carrina Barron recorded 12 digs, becoming one of nine Bulldogs to surpass 1,000 career digs in Bryant's Division I era (2008-present).
COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH THERESA GARLACY:
"A great first outing for our young team today, many of them played in their first collegiate match. Carrina Barron surpassed 1,000 career digs with a gritty performance. Hannah Jackson really stepped up on the offensive side with many clutch swings. Layla (Olatunde) was efficient in the middle, hitting .444 in her first match. Kaitlin (Curran) had a double-double with 14 digs and 11 kills. Excited to see us grow together as we continue the weekend's competition.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After the 49ers opened the set with a 2-0 lead, Kaitlin Curran answered with a kill and service ace to tie the contest.
- Charlotte then built a 9-5 advantage, but the Bulldogs fought back and pulled within a point, 10-9, on another Curran kill.
- The 49ers did not let Bryant threaten any closer than a point the rest of the way, extending their lead as large as five before taking set one.
SET 2- Charlotte, 25-22
- The Bulldogs trailed 4-1 early but responded with a 4-1 run of their own to tie Charlotte, 5-5, following a block from Brookelyn Talmadge.
- The 49ers retook the lead and extended it to three, 9-6, until an attack error and kill from Kalia Alvarado brought Bryant down a point.
- Both squads proceeded to trade scores until a Charlotte service error and block by Madison Koeller tied the score at 18-18.
- The Bulldogs then took their first lead of the game, 19-18, through a Curran kill.
- The 49ers recaptured the lead behind two straight scores and fended off Bryant the rest of the way to secure set 2.
- Both sides deadlocked at 4 –4 to start the set until Bryant found its footing offensively. The Bulldogs went on a 6-0 run, highlighted by two kills from Alvardo, kills Layla Olatunde and Cara Lewandowski, and a service ace from Madison Keem, to go up 10-4.
- Charlotte stormed back late in the set and tied Bryant at 22-22. A 49ers service error and kill from Alicia Johansen brought the Bulldogs to match point, but Charlotte scored four unanswered points to win the match.
STATS AND NOTES:
- Curran registered a double-double of 14 digs and 11 kills.
- Luiza Bergamaschi, Sophia Gonzalez, Lewandowski, Olatunde, Alvarado, and Johansen made their collegiate debuts.
- Lewandowski racked up seven kills, Alvarado tallied five kills, Olatunde produced four kills, and Johansen added one kill. Bergamaschi notched a service ace.
- Hannah Jackson logged a career-high eight kills.
- Madison Koeller delivered 26 assists.
NEXT UP:
The Bulldogs return to action Saturday, Aug. 29 against North Carolina A&T State in their second match of the Charlotte Tournament. First serve is set for 2 p.m. at Halton Arena.
