WALTHAM, Mass. – The Bentley volleyball team gets its first taste of regional competition in 2026 when the Falcons head to Springfield for the East Region Clash at American International, Sept. 11-12. Bentley takes on Felician (1 p.m.) and Bridgeport (5 p.m.) Friday, followed by matches against D'Youville (9 a.m.) and Molloy (1 p.m.) Saturday.
 
Time to turn a corner
Bentley, the three-time defending East Regional champion, holds a 2-6 record to start the 2026 season. But the record isn't as dire as it may seem. Half of Bentley's matches so far this season have been against teams that are nationally ranked. The Falcons went against No. 11 Barry (Aug. 29) and No. 15 Lynn (Aug. 29) during the Sandy Hoffman Memorial Tournament. One week later in the Colorado Premier Challenge, the Falcons took on No. 9 Angelo State and No. 18 MSU Denver.
 
Thank you, Kleinle
Junior Julia Kleinle had the best match of her Bentley career against Palm Beach Atlantic in the Colorado Premier Challenge (Sept. 4). She set personal bests in kills (13) and blocks (5).
 
She's no lemon
Sophomore Lulu Pavan reached double-digit kills in each of Bentley's four matches in the Colorado Premier Challenge. The trip included a career-high 18 kills against Regis (Sept. 5). Pavan ranks seventh in the NE10 with 2.96 kills per set.
 
So far, so Gooden
Freshman Aaliyah Price Gooden started her collegiate career with three blocks in three consecutive matches. She totaled a season-best seven blocks against Palm Beach Atlantic in the Colorado Premier Challenge (Sept. 5). Price Gooden ranks fourth in the NE10 with 0.85 blocks per set.
 
Achieving new highs
Junior Tory Vitko, the reigning NE10 Setter of the Year, put up a career-high 57 assists against Palm Beach Atlantic in the Colorado Premier Challenge (Sept. 5). It was her second career match reaching 50+ assists (51 at American International, Nov. 2024). Vitko's 8.83 assists per set so far this season ranks third in the NE10.
 
Doubling up on double-doubles
Junior Sophia Poehlein posted two double-doubles during the final day of the Colorado Premier Challenge (Sept. 5). She had 18 kills and 10 digs against Palm Beach Atlantic, followed by 16 kills and 11 digs against Regis.