FAIRFIELD, Conn. – For the first time in just over a month, Fairfield University Volleyball was on the short side of the final score. On Wednesday at Leo D. Mahoney Arena, the Stags were clipped by visiting Bryant, 3-1, in the non-conference finale for both teams.
Mamie Krubally led the Fairfield offense with 12 kills.
The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak for the Stags, who now stand at 11-10 on the season. Fairfield stands at the top of the MAAC standings at the midway point of the conference season at 9-0. Bryant improved to 17-6 on the year; the Bulldogs are currently 3-2 in America East.
The Stags claimed a competitive first set, taking a 25-20 decision after eight ties and three lead changes. Fairfield also served for the frame in Set 2, but Bryant fought off the 25-24 deficit and took that stanza, 27-24, to even the match at one apiece. Fairfield would not hold a lead in Set 3 or 4, with the Bulldogs taking 25-14 and 25-22 tallies to close out the 3-1 final.
Krubally's 12 kills form the right side came on .417 hitting.
Maya Walker also reached double figures with 10 kills, swinging at a .400 clip, and had a hand in six of the Stags' eight blocks. The outside hitting duo of
Allie Elliott and
Mikayla Haut finished with eight and seven kills, respectively.
Blakely Montgomery tallied 25 assists to go along with eight digs, and
Abby Jandro posted a double-double from the setter spot comprised of 16 assists and 11 digs. The tandem ran the Fairfield offense to a .193 hitting percentage.
In addition to Walker's half dozen blocks, Svenja Rodenbüsch got a piece of three rejections while Krubally and
Emma Beretich had two apiece. In the back row, Elliott posted a match-high 16 digs and
Kyla Berg notched 13 from the libero spot.
Rounding out the Fairfield scoring,
Natalie Carlin served up a pair of aces – including the game-winner in Set 1. Montgomery, Jandro and Elliott each landed one service ace.
Bryant was led by 14 kills from Arianna Ugolini. Setters Madison Koeller and Carolina Camacho each handed out 20 assits, and libero Carrina Barron snuck in a double-double with 12 digs and 12 helpers.
The Stags resume MAAC action and close out a five-match homestand this weekend against Siena and Marist on Oct. 26-27. First serves for both matches are slated for 1 p.m. Admission is free for all fans to all Fairfield Volleyball regular season home matches.
