Central Connecticut State University’s volleyball team lost a close match to Bryant University on Tuesday, falling to 2-14 on the year. It was a closer match than the final might suggest, as CCSU only lost one of the three sets by more than three.
Set one set the tone for the night, ending in a 25-23 Bryant win. CCSU would tie the match at 1-1 after taking the second set 26-24. Central ran out of gas in the third set, dropping it 25-14, and couldn’t come back in the fourth, losing 25-22.
Leading the way for Central’s offense were sophomore outside hitter Weronika Poczynek and junior opposite hitter Mia Lombardo. Poczynek paced the team with nine kills, while Lombardo added seven of her own. Senior opposite hitter Isabelle Roufs also contributed an extremely efficient five kills on 10 attempts.
The trio was propped up by freshman setter Kylee Baranski, filling in for a resting Larissa Hiemer. Baranski stepped up to the challenge, assisting on 24 points.
Baranski attributes her play to the hard work she has put in.
“I think it’s an honor,” Baranski said. “I think it shows that you can work for something, and it doesn’t matter what class you are if you earn your spot.”
Coach Linda Sagnelli had a glowing review of her freshman setter’s performance.
“Kylee stepped into the role and did a fantastic job,” Sagnelli said.
Junior libero Lauren Milani anchored the CCSU defense with 18 digs. Poczynek and Baranski added six and five digs, respectively.
However, Milani’s role extends beyond her play, as she is a very vocal leader on the court.
“It’s a role that I’ve always wanted to fulfill on this team,” Milani said. “I love being able to support my teammates, help lift them up, and celebrate all their successes.”
Despite the loss, the Blue Devils have much to be proud of when reflecting on their performance. Every set, except for the third, was a close battle for two teams on different sides of the standings. Central can take plenty into the next game.
Baranski, a big part of the fight for the Blue Devils, was optimistic about how the team played and how it will help them as the season progresses.
“The grit that we showed on the court today was amazing. Of course, it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we still persevered through that tough third set,” said Baranski. “I think we can do great things with that.”
Milani echoed that sentiment.
“We did a really good job on defense,” Milani said. “The grit that we had [tonight] is really going to pick up as we continue through the season.”
Coach Sagnelli knows that a complete CCSU team can do great things.
“We haven’t had our starting team together for many matches,” Sagnelli said. “We need to be able to be together as a unit so that we can find our rhythm. Tonight, we saw a lot of good things, and we’re starting to see a little bit of momentum building.”
The Blue Devils head on the road to take on Sacred Heart University on Oct. 7, then return home to begin a five-match homestand, beginning with Le Moyne College on Oct. 13.
