SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite a 25-21 victory in the second set, the Bryant University volleyball team fell to Central Connecticut, 3-1, Saturday afternoon in New Britain, Conn.

The Blue Devils got off to a quick start, opening the match with a convincing 25-10 win in the first game, however, the Bulldogs answered right back with a strong showing in the second set. But the high-powered CCSU offensive attack was too much for the Black and Gold to handle as the home team cruised to a pair of victories in the third and fourth set to improve to 8-2 in the Northeast Conference.

Sophomore Claire Van Dyk (New Richmond, Wis.) led Bryant with 10 kills and 10 digs, while sophomore Victoria Bryan (Newton, Mass.) and senior Alexandria Clyburn (Cartersville, Ga.) added seven and six kills, respectively. Freshmen Sara DePouw (Oconto, Wis.) finished with five kills of her own to go along with 10 digs, and junior Elena Lohr (Loveland, Ohio) dished out 28 assists.

Heather Trueman led all players with a game-high 20 kills, while Makenna Lommori picked up 40 assists to go along with her six kills.

The Bulldogs will continue action next weekend when they hit the road for matches at Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sacred Heart on Sunday (1 p.m.).