CHARLESTON, S.C. – The College of Charleston volleyball team dominated Bryant but fell to Minnesota in the finale of The Courtyard by Marriott North Charleston Classic at TD Arena on Saturday.
“We played well against Bryant in the first match, but got off to a slow start against a very good Minnesota team and just weren't able to recover,” head coach Jason Kepner said. “We're seeing some good things from this team and it's coming at a good time with conference play starting next week.”
College of Charleston 3, Bryant 0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-19)
The Cougars hit .362 for the match and were led by senior Kayla Tronick, who recorded six blocks for the second consecutive match.
Mackenzie Cooler recorded 41 assists, the third most by a Cougar in a three-set match since rally point scoring was introduced and sets were reduced to 25 points in 2008. Freshman Kennedy Madison led all players with 13 kills and swung .346. Melissa Morello chipped in with 10 kills and nine digs, hitting .389 along the way.
Krissy Mummey tacked on eight kills and three blocks with Cooler and Vallez picked up 11 digs each.
Minnesota 3, College of Charleston 0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-23)
The College (8-6) clawed back into the first set but couldn't overcome a slow start falling to No. 23 Minnesota in straight sets.
Trailing 12-4, CofC scored 10 of the next 15 points to pull within three, 17-14, but the Golden Gophers lived up to their ranking and finished off the set despite the home team's rally.
With the second set tied at 12-all, Minnesota (8-2) again flexed its muscle, scoring 13 of the last 18 points.
For the match, Melissa Morello landed a game-high 19 kills. Freshman Allison Beckman tallied 32 assists while Kennedy Madison added seven kills.
College of Charleston will open Colonial Athletic Association play on Friday with a road match against UNCW. The Cougars are aiming to claim their 15th consecutive conference tournament title.
For more information on College of Charleston volleyball, visit CofCSports.com or follow the team on Twitter at @CofCVolleyball.
