Oct. 2, 2001

BRONX, N.Y. - Senior middle blocker Yolanda Bogacz led all players with 20 kills and added 12 digs Tuesday night as visiting Rhode Island dominated the fifth game 15-8 and escaped with a 3-2 win over Fordham in Atlantic 10 Conference volleyball action.

The Rams (7-7, 4-1), who opened the season 0-6, won their fourth straight match and their seventh in the last eight. With 12 matches left in the regular season, they topped last year's win total of six.

Rhode Island pulled out the first two games 34-32 and 30-27, but Fordham (5-5, 0-4) fought back to win the next two 30-27 and 30-21. With the momentum going against them, the Rams regrouped and breezed to victory in the deciding fifth game.

Freshman outside hitter Brooke Ecklund struck for 13 kills and a match-high 19 digs for the Rams, who host defending Atlantic 10 champ George Washington Friday at 7 p.m. Sophomore outside hitter Mary Kate Reardon also had a double-double with 12 kills and 13 digs.

Junior setter Juliana Valencia contributed 16 digs, 55 assists and a match-high .385 hitting percentage (5-0-13). Sophomore middle blocker Michelle Fulton chipped in 10 kills and a team-high five blocks.

Freshman outside hitter Kaleena Miller came off the bench for 11 digs for the Rams, who beat Fordham for the 10th time in 11 all-time meetings. Fordham had 19 kills and 14 digs from Barb Crockett and 18 kills and 12 digs from Mele Misi.

Rhode Isl. (7-7) 32 30 27 21 15 -- 3
Fordham (5-5) 30 27 30 30 8 -- 2