Rhode Island Starters
Bracey, Lamoreaux, Abuto, Hendricks, Ma. Disu, Bowman, Henry (L)

VCU Starters
Rienks, Del Core, Knight, Aguano, Pylinska, Galli, Kujundzic (L)

How it Happened
Despite an improved effort in its second meeting with VCU, Rhode Island could not keep up with the home team, falling 3-1 (25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18) Saturday afternoon.

Set One – VCU 25, Rhode Island 20

The opening set was close to start, with the teams trading points through the first 20 rallies. A Chloe Abuto kill brought the Rams within one at the 18-17 mark, but it was not enough to sustain momentum as VCU responded with a 6-1 burst and never looked back. The Rams fended off two set points with a solo block from Madi Disu, followed by a block from Aerin Bowman and Megan Disu, until a Julia Reinks kill solidified the first set result for VCU.

Set Two – VCU 25, Rhode Island 21

Rhode Island had their offense working early in the second set, jumping to a 9-6 lead off six kills from four different Rams. Madi Disu led the effort, knocking in three of her four kills in the set within the first nine points. With Rhode Island ahead 11-8, VCU scored three straight points to tie the score as the teams alternated for the next nine points. Another Madi Disu kill and block from Aerin Bowman and Megan Disu brought the Rams within two at 23-21, but that was as close as Rhody could get before a Julia Reinks kill and Rhody attack error put the home team ahead two sets.

Set Three – Rhode Island 25, VCU 22

Needing the set to stay alive, Rhode Island was able to grind it out after nearly letting a comfortable lead slip away. A 5-1 rally brought VCU within one at 17-16, and the teams traded points from there. Rhody showed poise, getting a block from Chloe Abuto and Madi Disu to set up match point before Abuto knotted the set with her fifth kill on the night. Rhody hit .312 as they knocked in 13 kills with just three errors to clinch the third set victory.

Set Four - VCU 25, Rhode Island 19

Despite competitive play, a late 5-1 VCU rally at the 16-16 mark was the difference for the home team in the decisive fourth set. Rhode Island was unable to climb out of the hole, scoring just two more times off a Havyn Rolle kill and a VCU attack error. The Black and Gold recorded 15 kills and 11 errors, with Jasmine Knight and Lara Del Core leading the way with four kills a piece. Rhode Island, by contrast, managed just eight kills with six errors for a .062 attack percentage.

Inside the Box Score:

• Outside hitter Madi Disu led Rhode Island's offense as she picked up her second double-double of the season, finishing with 11 kills and 13 digs.
• Disu hit for a team-high .300 while contributing three blocks and a service ace for the Rams.
• Freshman Havyn Rolle added 10 kills and four blocks, marking the ninth time she has reached double-digits in kills this season.
• Middle blocker Chloe Abuto tallied six kills and eight blocks, including a career-high four solo efforts.
• Junior Aerin Bowman followed with seven blocks for the Rams, including one solo.
• Rhode Island recorded season-highs in total blocks (19) and solo blocks (9), with six Rams credited with at least one solo effort in the match.
• VCU, in comparison, logged just nine total blocks and three solo efforts.
• The setter duo of Kiera McCarles and Catalina Hendricks dished out 35 assists and six digs for the Rams.
• Freshman libero Dakota Henry added a team-high 14 digs.
• VCU outhit Rhode Island 61-41, with four players reaching the double-digits threshold: Kalina Pylinska (16), Lara Del Core (15), Jasmine Knight (12), and Julia Reinks (10).

Up Next:
Rhode Island returns to Keaney Gymnasium to host George Washington in a pair of matches next weekend. The teams play Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 9 at 12 p.m. The Saturday afternoon match will serve as Senior Day for Rhode Island and will be streamed on ESPN+.