WALTHAM, Mass. – After nine consecutive matches on the road, the Bentley volleyball team returns to Waltham for three home matches this week. It all begins against Bridgeport Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. The Falcons then host Monroe Friday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m. The first Northeast 10 match of the season is in the Dana Athletics Center against Saint Anselm Saturday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m.
 
Reversing the streak
Following the second match of the season, Bentley suffered five consecutive losses. Since then, however, the Falcons have put together six consecutive wins. Bentley aims for its seventh consecutive win when it hosts Bridgeport.
 
The regional streak
Dating back to its 2024 NCAA East Regional title run, the Falcons have won 34 consecutive matches against regional opponents.
 
The rematch
In a rematch of the 2025 NCAA East Regional title match, Bentley swept Mercy on the road last week (Sept. 17). The Mavericks had been undefeated (8-0) before hosting the Falcons. Lulu Pavan had a team-high 14 kills for Bentley (7-6), and Tory Vitko added 31 assists. Vitko was also a factor in the Falcons' defensive efforts, totaling five blocks and five digs. Aaliyah Price Gooden led all players in total blocks with six.
 
Vitko's first of 2026
Tory Vitko was named the NE10 Setter of the Week for her performance at Mercy. In 2025, Vitko earned seven NE10 Setter of the Week honors on her way to being named the NE10 Setter of the Year.
 
The Price is right on it
Freshman Aaliyah Price Gooden leads the NE10 in blocks per set (1.05). She has been especially outstanding in the past five matches, averaging 1.35 blocks per set during the recent stretch.
 
Lulu lights it up
Sophomore Lulu Pavan opened the season with only 16 kills in her first four matches (1.6 kills per set). In her last nine matches, however, she has at least nine kills in each contest – averaging 3.06 kills per set during that stretch.
 
The second time around
Tuesday is the second meeting this season between Bentley and Bridgeport. The Falcons beat the Purple Knights in four sets during the East Region Clash hosted by American International (Sept. 11). Sophia Poehlein achieved her third double-double of the season against Bridgeport. The junior finished with 15 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Aaliyah Price Gooden had a season-high 11 kills against the Purple Knights.