Sept. 10, 2011

Box Score

Setting the Scene
Despite 11 kills and 11 digs from senior Kayla Wilson, Rhode Island was swept by Boston College in the finale of the third-annual Art Carmichael Invitational Saturday night. Big Ten school Wisconsin was the class of the tournament, sweeping all three of its matches.

How It Happened
With the score tied 20-20 in the first set, Boston College (3-5) scored three straight points, including an ace by sophomore Cagla Sen to seize control and take the opener 25-22. In the second set, the Rams (5-4) rallied from a 23-18 deficit to pull with two points behind strong serving from junior Ashley Tennant, but the Eagles held on to take the set 25-21. Neither side led by more than three points in the final set, won by Boston College, 26-24.

All-Tournament Team
Kayla Wilson represented the Rams on the All-Tournament team as she posted a tournament-best 44 kills. She was second on the Rams with 36 digs, and added three blocks and a perfect service receiving percentage, handling all 40 attempts she had in three matches.

Wisconsin's Courtney Thomas earned tournament MVP honors. The freshman split time as a setter and outside hitter, notching a team-best 29 kills in 48 attacks (.542 hitting percentage) and adding 57 assists. Fellow Badgers Alexis Mitchell (21 kills, 11 blocks) and Dominique Thompson (25 kills, 8 blocks) also received spots on the All-Tournament team. Joining them were Brennan Clark (64 digs) and Tsvetelina Dureva (40 kills, 21 digs, 3 blocks) from Boston College, and Columbia's Megan Gaughn (38 kills, 23 digs).

Top Performances
In addition to Kayla Wilson's continued strong play, sophomore Jill Anderson provided six kills and just two attack errors in 16 attempts. Anderson continues to lead Rhode Island with a stellar .340 hitting percentage.

Stat of the Day
Boston College had 11 blocks as a team, causing problems for the Rhode Island offense. The Rams also committed 24 errors in 117 total attacks.

What it Means
After winning the Carmichael Invitational last season, the Rams finished last in the four-team tournament this year. Rhode Island has dropped three straight matches after opening the year with victories in five out of its first six match-ups.

What's Next
The Rams stay in tournament mode as they travel to Penn for the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia West Invitational. Rhody opens with the University of Maryland/Baltimore County next Friday (noon) before playing host Penn the same night (7 p.m.). The Rams will face William & Mary on Saturday (10 a.m.) before returning home.