How It Happened

Junior Marie Gillcrist had a career-high 14 kills to lead Rhode Island to its second sweep in as many matches as the Rams beat Central Connecticut State 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-18) Saturday morning.

Trailing 9-8 in the opening set, Rhode Island ran off five consecutive points to build a 13-9 lead. Rhody's lead never got less than two points the rest of the way as the Rams cruised to an early one set lead. Setter Callan Kinnan had 15 assists in the first set, while Marie Gillcrist and Kylee Wolfe combined for nine kills.

The second set was a back and forth affair that featured 10 ties. With the score tied 18-18, Rhody won seven of the next eight points to take a commanding two set lead. Rhode Island ended it quickly in the third set, jumping out to a 15-7 lead and coasting to the victory.

The Rams improved to 2-3 on the year. The loss was the first of the season for CCSU, which fell to 4-1.

Inside the Box Score

• Junior Marie Gillcrist registered a career-high 14 kills in a highly efficient manner, as she had just 20 total attacks. She had three attack errors, giving her a team-best .550 attack percentage.
• Gillcrist also had a team-high four blocks, including one solo. 
• Libero Jessie Blaze had a strong match with her defense and passing. The junior finished with 15 digs, nine of which came in the opening set. She also had a service ace and one assist.
• Senior Callan Kinnan recorded 45 assists, despite the match going just three sets. She had 15 assists in the first set alone, the most she has had in any set this season. Kinnan just missed her fourth double-double of the season, finishing with nine digs.
• Kinnan also had four service aces, one shy of her career best. She now has 111 career aces, moving her into a tie for 11th place in program history with Christine Gallery (1987-88).
• Senior Audrey Castro finished with 11 kills and just two errors, while adding six digs and two blocks.
• Rhode Island had a 48-39 advantage in digs.

Stat of the Match

• 0 – Rhode Island did not commit any block errors in the match. CCSU had six block errors. 

Up Next
The Rams conclude play at the Hartford Invitational Saturday evening with a match against Manhattan. The match begins at 4:30 p.m.