Rams continue winless conference streak
Brynne Wright contributed 25 of her 146 kills for the season in the past three games. PHOTO CREDIT: gorhody.com
The University of Rhode Island women’s volleyball team continued their conference play this past weekend in a pair of games against Virginia Commonwealth University and a match against Fordham.
Unfortunately, the results did not go in the Rams favor as they lost both matches, falling on the road in five and four sets, respectively, then losing 3-0 at home to Fordham.
Despite the losses, head coach Angel Agu remained in high spirits, noting the growth her team has shown in the past couple weeks.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team,” Agu said. “We’ve been able to see improvements in all areas. Even though the record doesn’t really show it, we have the ability to play at a higher level for extended periods of time and make a statement while we do.”
In Friday’s five set marathon, VCU picked up the early lead with a quick 25-21 victory. Rhode Island would not fault however, winning two back to back sets with a matching score of 25-23 to give the Rams the 2-1 lead going into the fourth set.
The fourth set was the most contested of the day. Rhode Island came out strong with an early lead of 6-1, however VCU would return the favor with a 5-0 run to quickly tie the set. With 11 lead changes and nine ties, VCU came out on top, edging out the Rams 25-23.
In the fifth and final set, VCU took the reins with a quick 6-1 lead. Rhody tried to make a comeback, but it was hard to overcome as VCU won the deciding set 15-12.
Senior Claire Wagner led the Rams offense Friday, picking up her fourth double double of the year with 11 kills and 13 digs while grad student Gabi Shilling matched with 11 kills and three blocks.
On Saturday, the Rams came out swinging in the first set with a 25-21 win, but VCU took all the momentum away from Rhode Island, winning the next three sets to pick up their second victory of the weekend.
Rhode Island’s defense was the tell of the tale in Saturday’s contest with three players finishing the night with double digits in defense. Sophomore libero Hannah Blaney led the way with 17 digs while Brynne Wright and Katie Butler matched with 14 digs apiece.
The night prior, Blaney also recorded a season’s best with 26 digs. She currently leads the team in both digs and services aces at 266 and 20, respectively .
“I’m such a competitive person in any aspect of my life.” Blaney said. “My competitiveness really allows me to embody the position of a defender better, you know. I’m not letting the ball hit the floor.”
With a competitive edge, Agu noted it has been Blaney’s energy and drive that further propels her teammates on the court.
“Hannah is one of a kind.” Agu said. “She’s continuing to find her voice, quickly becoming one of the loudest on the court and her energy is just so contagious. She has fully dove into her role as libero and that puts our team in the best position going further.”
Following the weekend’s contest, Rhode Island continued their conference play as they hosted Fordham on Wednesday night at 5pm.
The first set went down to the wire, with both sides tied at 23 before Fordham took the final two points and won 25-23.
The second set was more of the same as the two sides found themselves even at 17 before an 8-3 run would give the Rams the 25-20 win.
Rhody would take the lead in the third set, using six unanswered points to take a 16-12 lead. Unfortunately Fordham responded with a 9-1 run of their own to eventually win the set 25-21 and sweep the game 3-0.
The Rams will face Davidson on the road Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. as they continue their search for their first conference win of the season.