WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL: JWU Falls to Bowdoin, 3-0, in Regional Final at Tufts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courtesy of JWU Athletics Communications

MEDFORD, Mass. – A second trip to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals wasn't in the cards for the Johnson & Wales University women's volleyball team. The Wildcats advanced to the regional final for the third year in a row, but lost to Bowdoin, 3-0 (26-28, 24-26, 18-25), on Sunday.

Records: 
Bowdoin: 21-7
#21 Johnson & Wales: 29-5

Statistical Leaders:
Brylee Frank (JWU): 28 assists, 11 digs
Maria Coniglio (JWU): 10 kills
Hannah Dolan (JWU): 10 kills

Of Note:
Eight JWU hitting errors helped spot the Polar Bears a 10-2 lead in the first set before JWU worked its way back into the match. A Hannah Dolan kill followed by a block gave the Wildcats set point, 25-24. Bowdoin tied the set then got a pair of kills to take the opening stanza.

The Wildcats fought off one set point in the second stanza, but Bowdoin made the plays down the stretch as they got two kills to win the set. The Polar Bears jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the third set and though Wildcats got back within 9-7, Bowdoin pulled away to win the match.

JWU couldn't find its offensive rhythm all game, hitting just .157 while the Polar Bears went at a .204 rate. Bowdoin also had a 65-63 advantage in digs.

Maria Coniglio and Elyssa Nicolas were named to the All-Region Team.

Dolan and Coniglio led the team with 10 kills each. Setter Brylee Frank produced a 28-assist, 11-dig double-double.

The Wildcats will have to work to earn a sixth-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. Next season will be the first time in four years head coach Nancy Somera will be without All-Americans Frank, Coniglio and Kate Walker.

This year's senior class finishes its career with an impressive 130-9 all-time record, including a perfect 47-0 in conference play. They hold the NCAA record for most consecutive sets won, spanning September 1-October 19, 2017 when they won 67-straight sets.