This past Friday the University of Rhode Island women’s volleyball team traveled to George Washington University for an Atlantic-10 battle.
The Rams lost in three sets and dropped to 1-3 in the Atlantic 10 Conference after playing George Washington.
In the first set, the Rams and the Colonials battled back and forth before an 11-2 George Washington run turned into 21-12. With set point a fingers grasp away at 24-16, the Rams scored six straight points. Unfortunately, that was not enough as Jordan Young of George Washington eventually delivered a set-clinching kill.
George Washington kept things to their advantage in the second set resulting in a 14-8 lead with the Rams unable come within more than four points throughout the set. The Colonials would eventually win the set 25-18.
The third set featured four lead changes along with ten ties, the last of which came on an Annie Ell, URI sophomore setter, evening the tides at 18-18. However, this valiant effort was not enough, as Rhode Island only managed to score three more points as the Colonials picked up the third and final set for the sweep, 25-21.
Looking to avenge a loss the day before to George Washington, the Rams faced off against conference opponent George Mason.
After a back-and-forth first set, the Rams won the first set by a score of 25-22. George Mason was not down for long as they roared back in the next two sets. In the fourth set, the Rams made a few errors that resulted in a 6-0 run by the Patriots. The Rams answered right back with ten straight points. With a George Mason error and a few big serves by Mariah Paulette, URI was on top 11-8 and never looked back. Rhody would outscore George Mason 14-6 to force a fifth set, something Rhody was looking for if they wanted to win this matchup. Unfortunately for the Rams, it was all George Mason in the fifth, as the Patriots would go on an 8-2 run and eventually win the fifth and final set 15-11.
Coach Santonastaso said, “I am very pleased with the progress and growth we have had as a group. The team comes into the gym each time ready to be great for each other.”
He then went on to say that the remainder of their schedule is all Atlantic 10 opponents with each team presenting a different challenge to them. He said that their biggest challenge is an internal one, putting together a great week of practice, staying physically healthy as a group and being mentally and emotionally ready to play as a group.
Coach Santonastaso commends this season’s underclassmen saying that “Their jump from high school/club to the college level has presented many challenges to our underclassmen, particularly our freshman because it’s new to them. They are competitive young women and are proud when we are successful and carry some disappointment when we are not.”
Rhode Island is back in action on Friday night at Saint Louis. Match time is set for 8 p.m.