Rachel Bruno
Rachel Bruno

Bridgeport Halts Bentley’s 3-Match Winning Streak & Spoils the Falcons’ Home Opener

WALTHAM, Mass. – The Bentley University women's volleyball team's four-match winning streak was halted by the University of Bridgeport Friday night with the Purple Knights spoiling the Falcons' home opener, 3-0, in non-conference action at the Dana Center. The scores were 25-21, 26-24 and 25-19.

Bridgeport, 7-3 with a five-match winning streak, was led by junior Morgan Knight (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), with 13 kills, and the setting of senior Ellie Rich (Highland Ranch, Colo.). She finished with 39 assists along with nine digs and four kills in five swings.

Bentley started the match fast, jumping out to a 7-2 lead in the opening set. The visitors, down 14-11, took control with seven straight points, a run that included two of Knight's kills.

In the pivotal second set, Bentley rallied for a 23-21 lead. However, kills by Knight and Rich forged a 23-all tie and the Purple Knights closed out a 26-24 triumph on a Falcon attack error.

Junior middle Rachel Bruno (San Diego, Calif./Francis Parker School) hit .333 with a team-best 10 kills for Bentley.  The Falcons also received 14 assists from junior libero Emily Barthelmes (Buchanan, N.Y./Hendrick Hudson HS).

Bentley, 5-7, will return to conference play Tuesday when it hosts Saint Anselm (7 pm).