FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The non-conference schedule for Fairfield University Volleyball comes to a close on Wednesday in Rhode Island, as the Stags trek to the Ocean State to meet Bryant. First serve from Smithfield is slated for 7 p.m.
 
The Fairfield University Stags (3-4, 0-0 MAAC)

• Fairfield is 3-4 after most recently falling to Big Ten foe Northwestern on Sunday at Mahoney Arena.
• Seven Stags average better than one kill per set, led by 2.23 finishers per frame from Mikayla Haut.
• Kyla Berg leads the back row with 3.73 digs per set, good for third in the MAAC.
• Despite being stifled at the net by Northwestern, the Stags remain the top blocking team in the conference with 2.19 blocks per frame.
• Maya Walker (1.08 blocks per set) and Elle Shult (1.00) rank second and third, respectively, in the MAAC in the blocks.

 
The Bryant University Bulldogs (7-4, 0-0 America East)

• Bryant went 2-1 last weekend at the Friar Classic, defeating CCSU and Saint Peter's before falling to host Providence.
• Aubrey Lapour leads the Bulldogs with 3.71 per set on .300 hitting, and Arianna Ugolini adds 3.07 kills per frame.
• Brooklyn Talmadge has controlled the middle with 2.06 kills and 1.15 blocks per set.
• Bryant was tabbed for fourth in the America East Preseason Poll after posting a 19-12 overall record and a 6-4 AE mark last fall.
• The Bulldogs graduated all three of their All-America East performers from last season: Setter of the Year Mia Cergol, fellow First Team pick Alysa Wright and Second Teamer Riley James.

 
The Matchup

• Fairfield hosted and defeated Bryant at the RecPlex in 2021 to improve to 4-1 all-time in the series.
• The Stags have won the last three meetings (2013, 2016, 2021) with Bryant's last win coming in 1995.
• Bryant is Fairfield's second America East opponent of the fall, previously losing a 3-1 decision to the conference's reigning champion and preseason favorite, UMBC.
• The Bulldogs are eying their third MAAC win of the non-conference season, previously besting Siena (3-0) at home and Saint Peter's (3-1) on a neutral court.

 
Up Next

• The start of MAAC play will also mark the first-ever MAAC contests at Mahoney Arena as Canisius and Niagara come to campus on Sept. 16-17. First serve for both matches is set for 1 p.m.
• Canisius is 2-6 on the season and is looking to whether a five-game losing streak since defeating Saint Francis and Belmont on opening weekend.
• Niagara, which visits Quinnipiac on Saturday before heading to Mahoney Arena, finished its non-conference slate at 1-7. The lone win was the Purple Eagles most recent opponent, hosting and sweeping Kent State on Sept. 9.