WALTHAM, Mass. – Competing in its home opener and the first day of the Sandy Hoffman Memorial Tournament, the Bentley volleyball team had to get tough to pull off a come-from-behind win over American International Friday night. The Falcons lost the first two sets, but then they stormed back for a five-set victory (22-25, 23-25, 25-20, 25-18, 15-11).

The Falcons' defensive play at the net was crucial in the comeback bid. Bentley totaled a season-high 12 blocks, including five by Elizabeth Blinn. Four Falcons posted double-digit kills, led by Caitlin Wunder's 11. Rachel Vitko, Tory Vitko, and Sophia Poehlein each put away 10 kills. Tory Vitko also totaled a team-high 22 assists, and Jazzy Burke led Bentley in digs with 22.

Bentley took over the match in the third set as if the first two frames never happened. Consecutive kills by Lauren McCloskey and Rachel Vitko gave Bentley a 17-11 lead. Although AIC pulled to within two points, 17-15, that's as close as the Yellow Jackets would get in the third set.

Bentley jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the fourth set, as a 5-0 run was initiated by a kill from McCloskey. Late in the set, the Falcons pieced together three consecutive blocks. Poehlein and McCloskey combined for a black-assist to give Bentley a 22-17 lead. Blinn followed with a solo block, and then she and Poehlein teamed up for a block.

Bentley kept its foot on the gas in the fifth set, racing out to a 6-1 lead. The Falcons won the set, 15-11, by taking the final three points.

The Falcons conclude the Sandy Hoffman Memorial Tournament Saturday, Sept. 14, by taking on Daemen (1 p.m.) and New Haven (4 p.m.).