Losses to VCU, Dayton move Rhody to 6-11
The University of Rhode Island Women’s Volleyball team fell to 6-11 on the season last week after losses against conference foes Virginia Commonwealth University and Davidson University.
The Rams traveled to VCU for the third of their four game road trip. Starting solid, the Rams took a 6-5 lead in the first set behind great service from Adel Gage. However, VCU was able to take advantage of a game-clinching 14-2 run and close out the set at 25-15.
The second and third set followed a similar script. Rhode Island got out to 12-12 and 11-6 starts, making it appear as though they had the next two. The story of the night continued to be big runs by VCU though. The home team went went on 7-1 and 13-0 runs respectively to finish off Rhody in straight sets.
The game was not telling of the talent the two teams have as Rhody had their least efficient night of the season, converting only 25 percent of their attacks in the loss. However, sophomore Gabrielle Schilling had no issues with kills, finishing with ten on the day. Additionally, junior Annie Ell finished with 16 assists and sophomore Ella Ratzloff had 12 digs for the Rams.
The Rams then traveled to North Carolina to take on Davidson in what would be a much closer matchup. Davidson started red-hot out of the gates, going up 13-4 to begin the contest. They would finish off the Rams fairly easily in the first set, winning 25-17.
The rest of the matchup proved to be a lot more intense, with the second set going back-and-forth. Neither team could gain an edge more than three points as the lead changed several times but it was Davidson who was able to escape the set with a 25-23 victory.
The final set was the toughest of all as the Rams essentially had a three to five point lead throughout the set. However, an 8-6 run by Davidson helped to bring them back and finish the match in three sets.
Annie Ell again had a huge day for the Rams, finishing with 37 assists on the day. Also filling up the stat sheet again was Ella Ratzlof, who led the team with 21 digs. The Rams will look to get back on track as they head back home to take on Saint Louis on Friday, Oct. 18.