Bryant University

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - The Bryant University women's volleyball team opened its America East slate with a win against NJIT, 3-1, on Friday, Sept. 25 in the Chace Athletic Center.  

After the Bulldogs (7-11, 1-0 AE) convincingly won the first set, the Highlanders (1-14, 0-1 AE) claimed a close second set to tie the match. Bryant proceeded to dominate the third set and narrowly take the fourth, earning the victory.  

Ruth Ochelli racked up a game-high 13 kills on a .706 hitting percentage in her 2026 season debut while Layla Olatunde and Brookelyn Talmadge both registered 12 kills. 

"What a great way to open conference play with a win at home. Our defense put the ball in such good position; we were able to run the middles. Also, first match back for Ruth, who did not miss a beat. Having our roster at full strength for the first time all year is refreshing. Excited for Sunday." 

 

SET 1- Bryant, 25-13 

• The Highlanders evened the score at 9-9 before two service errors and back-to-back kills from Kaitlin Curran and Talmadge gave the Bulldogs a 13-9 edge.  
• Bryant later notched six unanswered points, including three Olatunde kills, to go up 20-11.  
• Hannah Jackson, Olatunde and Curran provided kills as the Bulldogs scored the last four points of the set.  

SET 2- NJIT, 25-23  

• Both sides traded blows in the opening rallies as Talmadge powered down a kill to knot the score at 12-12.  
• A pair of kills from Olatunde and a lone from Ochelli put the Bulldogs ahead 17-16 until the Highlanders scored three straight points to reclaim the lead.  
• The Bulldogs held a 22-21 edge following an attack error, but NJIT scored in four of the last five rallies to clinch the set.  

SET 3- Bryant, 25-15  

• A 6-1 surge featuring kills from Nina Gavin, Olatunde and Ochelli gave the Bulldogs a 13-5 advantage.  
• Bryant extended its lead to double digits, 22-11, with Gavin and Ochelli each drilling another kill.  
• Talmadge rocketed a set-point kill with authority to put the Bulldogs ahead again.  

SET 4- Bryant, 25-22 

• The Highlanders looked to force a fifth set as they mounted a 7-0 run to take a 17-10 lead.  
• Bryant battled back, reeling off six straight points to trim its deficit to 17-16. 
• Olatunde finished a kill and NJIT committed an attack error to give the Bulldogs a 20-19 lead and they didn't look back. Ochelli delivered the match-point kill.  

• The Bulldogs recorded 62 kills, their most in a match so far this season.  
• Bryant extended its winning streak over NJIT to 10 consecutive matches.  
• Carrina Barron tallied a season-high 28 digs, her third straight 20-plus-dig performance.  
• Curran and Gavin each put up nine kills.  
• Madison Koeller and Madison Keem posted 28 and 21 assists, respectively. 

The Bulldogs continue America East play at the Chace Athletic Center against UMBC on Sunday, Sept. 27. First serve is set for 1 p.m., and the match will be streamed on ESPN+.