RIVERDALE, NY – The Manhattan Jaspers Women’s Volleyball team (2-17, 0-9 MAAC) fell to the Bulldogs of Bryant University (13-9, 4-1 America East) in four sets (19-25, 25-23, 20-25, 13-25) during a non-conference contest inside Draddy Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED


As both sides traded initial blows, a dual block from Emma Francesconi and Abby Morreale capped off an early stretch of three unanswered for the Jaspers, taking an early 5-3 first set lead. 
Another block joined the party midway through as Hanna Kaczynska joined forces with Morreale, followed by a Katie Powers service ace.
Despite the Green and White getting to within one late, the Bulldogs accounted for six of the final seven points, securing the opening set in favor of the visitors. 
Manhattan capitalized off a pair of mistakes quickly in the second, as Bryant committed both a bad set and ball handling error.
The Jaspers once again crept their way back into the contest, as a tie at 11 apiece ended a 7-3 stretch, highlighted by three kills from Fiona VanDyke. 
Tying once more at 14-all, the Jaspers then never relinquished the lead the rest of the way, with a Kaczynska service ace and Brooke Johnson kill serving as the icing on the cake. 
Bryant came out strong in the third, as an early 10-4 spurt forced the Jaspers to call their first timeout. 
Francesconi added her first service ace of the night, cutting the deficit to 17-12.
Later momentum wasn’t enough to turn the tide, as Bryant closed out the set 25-20.
Five unanswered points spurred a 15-8 opening run to start the fourth, as the Jaspers tallied three blocks. 
As the home squad stayed competitive late in the set, six of the final seven points were scored by Bryant, ending the evening’s action.

STATS AND NOTES


Sophomore outside hitter Fiona VanDyke led the team in kills, compiling an even ten.
Freshman right side Hanna Kaczynska and Junior outside hitter Katie Powers both followed close behind, combining for 15.
Manhattan hit at its best rate in the second set, with a .455 clip.
The Green and White reigned supreme in the block party, winning 9-6 on the inside.
Sophomore and Junior setters Hunter Kwan and Emilia Kuzniar spread the wealth in assists, accounting for 34 of the squad’s 37. 

NEXT UP
The Green and White will be back inside Draddy Gymnasium on Friday, October 24, when the Jaspers welcome the Peacocks from Saint Peter’s University to continue MAAC play. The match can be viewed on the Jasper Sports Network for a 7 p.m. opening serve.

Follow Manhattan Women’s Volleyball on X and Instagram (@JaspersVB).

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