The University of Rhode Island volleyball team began Atlantic 10 conference play over the weekend, taking on 24th-ranked and reigning conference champion University of Dayton.
The A-10’s preseason poll placed the teams on opposite ends of the conference. The Flyers led unanimously with 100 points and 10 first-place votes, while the Rams placed last with 11 points. Although URI had exceeded early expectations with a 5-8 record, Dayton dominated the weekend securing two straight-set victories.
“Dayton made some things difficult for us and it was a really good challenge for our team,” URI Head Coach Ryan Sullivan said. “I thought that we took a lot of punches and we punched back in a lot of ways.”
Friday’s matchup opened with a 25-14 set loss for URI. Dayton possessed a height advantage over the Rams, and it was clear early on as the Flyers loaded up for powerful kills time and again. Rhode Island allowed 11 kills in the first set, Dayton finished the match with 41 total kills.
“They were bigger than any team that we’ve played,” Sullivan said.
The Rams fell in the second set 25-9, marking the first time URI has been held to single digits in a set this season. Rhode Island finished the game on a stronger note, losing the third 25-18.
Despite the loss, Sullivan successfully challenged two plays in the third set.
“Sometimes you’re challenging the play but sometimes you’re just looking for a break in the action,” Sullivan said. “I fully trust our team, if our team tells me something happened I’ll believe them every time.”
Saturday saw Dayton take two 25-12 set victories to start the match. The second set was highlighted by fifth-year outside hitter and reigning A-10 Volleyball Player of the Year Lexie Almodovar securing two solo blocks on back-to-back points for the Flyers.
Rhode Island improved their scoring in the weekend’s final set, but ultimately fell 25-18 to close out the match. While suffering two sweeps, the Rams didn’t show any signs of frustration in defeat, according to Sullivan.
“One of the biggest things about our culture this year is supporting each other and staying positive,” fourth-year setter Katie Butler said. “Nobody likes to be losing or lose, but I think we do a really good job of supporting each other.”
Sullivan said he was proud of his team’s performance, regardless of the result.
“The score and the stat sheet didn’t necessarily reflect how well I thought we played,” Sullivan said. “Countless times we’re in the right location and just barely missed it…we showed that we can compete with some of the best, not only in our own conference but in the whole country.”
Butler said she is excited for the rest of conference play and the opportunity to spend her fourth year with the new coaching staff.
“I think everybody on the team could agree that we love Ryan [Sullivan],” Butler said. “He’s made it a lot easier to see the game, we have a very specific defense and a very specific offense that we’re trying to run. It makes it easier to play. This year is very different in a very positive way. I’m really glad that I get to end my career here like this.”
Sullivan will stick with the game plan while preparing for the weekend against Loyola University Chicago, who split their two matches against Davidson to open conference play.
“Nothing is really changing, we’re doing the same things that we’ve been doing all year,” Sullivan said. “Our biggest thing is just remaining aggressive as attackers, and finding non-conventional ways to score the ball.”
A-10 play continues for the Rams with another weekend series on Friday and Saturday, when Rhode Island will host the Ramblers in Keaney Gymnasium for a pair of matches. Friday’s tilt is set to kick off at 6 p.m., followed by Saturday’s 2 p.m. matchup. Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+.