Syracuse Loses 3-2 to Bryant in Non-Conference Finale

By Ryan Bridges | @RyanBridges517

STORRS, CT- Syracuse fell in five sets to Bryant to close out non-conference play.

The Orange played in UCONN’s home gym as a part of a tournament that was hosted by the Huskies.

It took SU some time to settle into the game as they lagged behind by a point or two for most of the first set.

However, after Syracuse Head Coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam called a timeout with his team trailing 22-20 late in the set, the Orange seemed to flip a switch. SU went on a 4-1 scoring run and earned themselves a set point. Unfortunately, like so many times this season, the Orange failed to convert on the opportunities they had and lost the first set 26-24.

Ironically, the second set played out the exact same way. Bryant held a 22-20 lead in the second set and looked as though they would take a two-set lead. However, the ‘Cuse went on another run, earning a set point. This time, SU would close out the set and even the match at one.

In the third set, Syracuse looked as though they had the set under control. The Orange held a 24-22 lead and had three chances at a set point once again. The Bulldogs went on a 6-1 run and claimed the third set.

After winning a close fourth set 25-22, SU would play a fifth and final set for just the second time all season. The first time they did it was back at the Charlotte Invitational versus Wofford. The Orange ended up winning that match.

Syracuse was not so lucky in this one. SU fell behind early and could never recover, trailing by four or five points the whole way.

This loss drops the ‘Cuse to 4-6 on the season and rounds out non-conference play.

Next week, the Orange will kick off ACC play where they have matchups against Boston College on Wednesday and Duke on Friday. The match against Boston College is at 8 P.M. Both games are at home and will be streamed live on ACC Network Extra.