SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Holy Cross volleyball team suffered a 3-0 setback to nonconference opponent Bryant on Wednesday evening in the Chace Athletic Center.

The defeat moves the Crusaders to 2-5 while the Bulldogs improve to 5-3.

Sophomore Rachel Johnson had a game-high 12 kills for the Crusaders hitting .250 with six digs, two aces and two blocks. Junior Abbie Lane added eight kills and seven digs for the Crusaders as well.

SET SCORES:

• Bulldogs 3, Crusaders 0 (22-25, 20-25, 17-25)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Bryant took a 7-2 lead early in the match. An attack error and a sophomore Madison Bailey ace pushed the Crusaders within three at 7-4. The Bulldogs built up the lead again and Johnson cut into the deficit with a kill and an ace at 14-10. Senior Sanaea Simmons rolled to the right side and converted a kill to make it a three point game at 19-16. Trailing 23-19, the Crusaders called and timeout and answered with three straight markers and brought the margin to one point 23-22. Bryant scored the final points to capture the set.
• In the second set, Simmons skied up for a block to give the lead to the Crusaders at 5-3. In front 9-7, Holy Cross notched three straight points to lead 12-7. Bryant then went on a 6-0 run to take their first lead at 13-12. Lane regained the lead for the Crusaders at 15-14 until a 7-1 Bryant burst gave them a 21-16 advantage. Johnson manufactured a swing on the left side to make it 23-20. Bryant scored the final two markers to lead the match 2-0.
• The hosts built a 4-1 edge in the early going. Trailing by three, Holy Cross deadlocked the margin at 11-11 with kills by junior Lauren Halverson, Lane and a Johnson ace. A 6-1 Bryant spurt gave them a 17-12 edge. Junior Rian Millership drew her team within four at 20-16 before Bryant closed out the match.

INSIDE THE BOX:

• Johnson has double digit kills in four straight games and in six of seven this season.
• Freshmen Emma Halstead and Maeve Bailey made their collegiate debuts in the third set.
• Three Crusaders had six or more digs including freshman Haley Gill who had a contest-best nine.

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders open their home schedule on Friday, Sept. 8 with nonconference opponent Merrimack in Blaney Gymnasium.
• First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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