By Kevin Noonan, QBSN Staff Writer
The Quinnipiac Bobcats third set rally fell short, and the Bryant Bulldogs 3-0 swept them in a Northeast Conference matchup.
Ahead 2-0 in the match, Bryant (10-19, 4-8 NEC) jumped out to an early 8-2, prompting Quinnipiac (1-21, 0-13 NEC) to call its first timeout of the set. The Bobcats used the timeout to change momentum in the set, cutting the Bulldog lead to 14-11.
The Bobcats fell back 23-14 late in the third set before mounting one final comeback by cutting the lead to 23-18. The third and final set finished in favor of Bryant 25-18 to complete the 3-0 sweep.
“We’re just taking something positive from every game and bringing it to the next game. That’s what we’re doing,” coach Kristopher Czaplinski said.
Quinnipiac struggled early on in the first set and was unable to take a lead over Bryant. The Bobcats were outplayed by the Bulldogs, shown by Bryant’s advantage in blocks 5-1 and kills 16-7 in the first set.
“Our blocking was all over the place today,” Czaplinski said. “Because our blocking was all over, our defense couldn’t get to the right spots. Therefore the ball seemed to find an open spot every single time.”
Bryant’s lead grew to 18-10 before Quinnipiac called a timeout and started mounting a comeback. Sophomore Tanner Celestin (Norco, Calif.) helped begin a Bobcat comeback, but it wasn’t enough. The first set came to a close in favor of Bryant 25-16.
The second set was much of the same for the Bobcats, despite having an early 4-2 lead. Bryant got its momentum back when Taylor Onoyan made two diving saves throughout one volley.
Quinnipiac struggled with more net violations in the set, as Bryant’s lead continued to grow. The Bulldogs were also helped by four service aces in the set to propel them to a commanding 25-14 win.
“We had a lot of unforced errors, and that’s exactly where the momentum went,” Czaplinski said. “It went all to Bryant and we lost it.”
Bryant lead Quinnipiac in kills 40-24, digs 41-24, assists 39-22, and blocks 20-13.
Freshman Chandler Thornton (Arlington, Texas) was impressive for the Bobcats in defeat, picking up four kills and six digs. Celestin finished with eight kills and three digs, Logan Riker (Bowling Green, Ohio) led the team with nine digs and Brittanie Robinson (Fresno, Calif.) led the Bobcats with 21 assists.
“Chandler Thornton has been playing phenomenal for us,” Czaplinski said. “She’s been a positive all year round and she is just giving it everything she has game in and game out.”
The Bobcats return to action on Sunday with a 1 p.m. matinee game against St. Francis (NY) in another NEC matchup at Burt Kahn Court.
