LOCATION: PE Gym – Albany, N.Y.
SCORE: UAlbany 3, Bryant 2 (22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-17, 15-13)
RECORD: UAlbany 12-9, 5-2 America East | Bryant 13-10, 4-2 America East
SHORT STORY: UAlbany volleyball staged a thrilling comeback, overcoming Bryant after losing the first two sets. The final score reflects the hard-fought nature of the match.
COACH JOSH PICKARD: “Tonight was a true team effort. We faced challenges early but regrouped. Our determination really shone through.”
KEY STATS
- Kendall Harris excelled with 12 kills, 6 blocks, and 2 aces, totaling 17 points.
- Shynelle Woroniuk added 13 kills and 16 digs.
- Gabriella Karman hit .444 with 8 kills and 7 blocks.
- Anna Myhal contributed 8 kills and 14 digs.
- Tori Wilson added 9 kills and 5 blocks.
- Setter Maria Olga Siapani directed the play with 41 assists and 17 digs.
- Brooke Malek led the defense with 17 digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Bryant started strong, winning the first set 25-22, with UAlbany struggling to match their energy.
- In the second set, Bryant kept the pressure, closing it at 25-21.
- UAlbany found its stride in the third set, with a performance that included key contributions from Woroniuk and Wilson, winning 25-23.
- The fourth set saw UAlbany dominate, fueled by Karman’s serving run, ending 25-17.
- In the fifth and decisive set, UAlbany took the lead early and maintained it, clinching the match 15-13.
As volleyball continues to gain popularity, more teams are focusing on improving their performance through teamwork and resilience. A recent survey by the NCAA found that 56% of college athletes feel that mental toughness is just as important as physical skills in competitive sports. This kind of mindset was crucial for UAlbany’s comeback against Bryant.
Looking forward, UAlbany will play against Binghamton on October 31 at 7:00 PM. Keeping an eye on their mental and physical game will be key to their success as they navigate the season.
