Marist Volleyball found its footing at the Bryant Invitational, winning three consecutive matches to close the weekend with a 3-0 record and improve to 4-6 on the season.
The Red Foxes entered the tournament 1-6 after a difficult opening stretch but responded with three four-set victories, defeating Bryant twice and Fordham once. The weekend also showcased a more balanced Marist attack, with sophomore outside hitter Mallory Reck continuing to provide a consistent offensive presence while senior middle blocker Trinity Woods and junior middle blocker Sarah Bumstead also provided key offensive production throughout the weekend.
The weekend marked a significant shift for Marist. The Red Foxes not only left with three victories, but also demonstrated an ability to generate offense from multiple positions and respond after losing momentum.
Marist closed the tournament with its most efficient offensive showing of the weekend, hitting .423 as a team. Woods finished with 25 kills and Bumstead recorded 21 as Marist received significant production beyond its two reigning Metro weekly award winners.
Marist opened tournament play Friday afternoon against Bryant, taking the first of two meetings with the Bulldogs in four sets.
The Red Foxes established control early, taking the opening frame before Bryant answered in the second. Marist regained momentum in the third, taking advantage of Bryant’s offensive struggles to pull away before closing out the match in the fourth.
Senior middle blocker Brookelyn Talmadge led Bryant offensively, while freshman middle blocker Layla Olatunde provided a presence at the net. Bryant struggled to maintain its early offensive rhythm, allowing Marist to take control in the final two frames.
Marist returned to the court Friday night for a matchup with Fordham, which entered the tournament with a 4-3 record.
Marist again prevailed in four as the victory showcased the depth of the Marist offense. Reck remained a central part of the attack, while Woods and Bumstead were key contributors alongside her.
Fordham proved to be a challenge at the net, led by senior middle blocker Tatum Holderied, who finished with seven blocks. The Rams were unable to consistently slow Marist’s attack as the Red Foxes responded to a third-frame setback by controlling the fourth and securing their second victory of the tournament.
With two victories already secured, Marist entered Saturday morning for a rematch with Bryant and an opportunity to finish the weekend unbeaten.
The second meeting followed a familiar script, but Bryant’s offensive proved to be a tougher challenge this go-around. The Bulldogs finished with 58 kills compared with Marist’s 55. The Red Foxes efficiency proved to be the difference, as Marist committed fewer attacking errors and continued to find success throughout the lineup.
The Red Foxes took control early and held off a Bryant push in the second set before the Bulldogs forced a fourth period. Marist responded in the final frame, closing out the tournament with their third consecutive four-set victory.
The Red Foxes will look to carry the momentum into their next stretch of matches, as they travel to Oakland next weekend for their final out-of-conference tournament. The first match is scheduled for Friday, September 18 at 6 p.m. against Oakland University.
Edited by August Lieberman
Graphic by Xavier Angel
Photo via Marist Athletics
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