Spring Break
Women's volleyball defeats Central Connecticut State in multiple-game thriller
Kyle Towne
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Sports
10/09/08 - The University of Rhode Island volleyball team used a balanced effort on offense and defense to improve its record to 8-8 with an impressive victory over the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State University.
For the sixth time this season, the Rams and their opponent went to five sets. URI has compiled a 3-3 record in these matches.
"In the last four years, we have faced them four times, and every time it has gone to five games," head coach Bob Schneck said. "The last game has always been close. Also, it was the first time we traveled to play them, so that was exciting for us."
In the first game, the Rams found themselves in a very close battle, grabbing a slim lead and holding it throughout the remainder of the game.
Sophomore Lauren McIntosh ended the game at 25-20 with her third kill of the match. The Rams finished the game with a .314 hitting percentage.
The Blue Devils came out swinging in the second set, taking a quick 11-6 lead. The Rams were able to keep the score close, but fell short, losing 25-20.
The third set was similar to the second, as the Blue Devils took an early 11-3 lead. The Rams were unable to make up the deficit, falling behind two games to one with the 25-21 loss. The Blue Devils finished this game with a .412 hitting percentage, out-hitting the Rams 17 kills to 12.
In a pivotal fourth game, the Rams found themselves behind 19-17. URI then ripped off an 8-1 run to win the game 25-20, sending the match to a final set.
In the fifth set, both teams battled back and forth until the score was even at eight. The Rams then took over the game, scoring seven of nine points to win the match with a 15-10 victory.
"I felt like after the first three points we were in total control," Schneck said. "Several of our kids were very efficient for us to win the match."
Junior Caitlyn Welsh played her way to a double-double, tallying 14 kills and 14 digs. McIntosh finished with 13 kills and an excellent .360 hitting percentage. Sophomore Kayla Newburg finished with eight kills and four digs. Senior Peggy Doino had a match-high 16 digs to lead the Rams defense.
"In a close match, we had more than they did at the end," Schneck said.
Welsh is continuing her stellar 2008 campaign, as she leads the team with 187 kills.
Senior Chinny Okpara chipped in four kills of her own, as well as 14 digs. Sophomore setter Lindsay Lytle finished with 41 assists, five kills and seven digs.
The victory is the second consecutive for the Rams. They are 0-2 in the Atlantic 10. Divisional play will resume tomorrow against Saint Louis University at 7 p.m. in Keaney Gymnasium.
"We have our hands full for sure," Schneck said. "We always play St. Louis tough at home ... It's a great match for us to win."
For the sixth time this season, the Rams and their opponent went to five sets. URI has compiled a 3-3 record in these matches.
"In the last four years, we have faced them four times, and every time it has gone to five games," head coach Bob Schneck said. "The last game has always been close. Also, it was the first time we traveled to play them, so that was exciting for us."
In the first game, the Rams found themselves in a very close battle, grabbing a slim lead and holding it throughout the remainder of the game.
Sophomore Lauren McIntosh ended the game at 25-20 with her third kill of the match. The Rams finished the game with a .314 hitting percentage.
The Blue Devils came out swinging in the second set, taking a quick 11-6 lead. The Rams were able to keep the score close, but fell short, losing 25-20.
The third set was similar to the second, as the Blue Devils took an early 11-3 lead. The Rams were unable to make up the deficit, falling behind two games to one with the 25-21 loss. The Blue Devils finished this game with a .412 hitting percentage, out-hitting the Rams 17 kills to 12.
In a pivotal fourth game, the Rams found themselves behind 19-17. URI then ripped off an 8-1 run to win the game 25-20, sending the match to a final set.
In the fifth set, both teams battled back and forth until the score was even at eight. The Rams then took over the game, scoring seven of nine points to win the match with a 15-10 victory.
"I felt like after the first three points we were in total control," Schneck said. "Several of our kids were very efficient for us to win the match."
Junior Caitlyn Welsh played her way to a double-double, tallying 14 kills and 14 digs. McIntosh finished with 13 kills and an excellent .360 hitting percentage. Sophomore Kayla Newburg finished with eight kills and four digs. Senior Peggy Doino had a match-high 16 digs to lead the Rams defense.
"In a close match, we had more than they did at the end," Schneck said.
Welsh is continuing her stellar 2008 campaign, as she leads the team with 187 kills.
Senior Chinny Okpara chipped in four kills of her own, as well as 14 digs. Sophomore setter Lindsay Lytle finished with 41 assists, five kills and seven digs.
The victory is the second consecutive for the Rams. They are 0-2 in the Atlantic 10. Divisional play will resume tomorrow against Saint Louis University at 7 p.m. in Keaney Gymnasium.
"We have our hands full for sure," Schneck said. "We always play St. Louis tough at home ... It's a great match for us to win."
