Rhode Island Starters
Houchens, Melton, Bracey, Abuto, Rolle, Stermenska, Henry (L)

Saint Louis Starters
Gokcen, Maddox, Brenning, Asamoa, Rink, Jansen, Maughan (L)

How it Happened
Rhode Island (3-17, 0-8 Atlantic 10) started the match strong but could not keep up with Saint Louis (9-10, 1-7 A-10). The host Billikens had 32 kills with just six attack errors over the third and fourth sets to put the match away.

Set One - Rhode Island 25, Saint Louis 18
In a set of wild runs by both sides, Rhode Island finished the opener on an 8-0 run that featured two kills from Aerin Bowman, who also combined with Havyn Rolle on a block during the run. Saint Louis opened the match on a 4-0 run before URI responded with five in a row. The Billikens scored the next 6-0 points, but Rhody again responded with five in a row to tie the score 10-10. Saint Louis used a 5-2 stretch to move in front 15-12, but Rhode Island got hot late to complete the rally, with a Bowman kill finishing it off. The Rams had five service aces without an error in the set.

Set Two - Saint Louis 25, Rhode Island 18
With the score tied 10-10, Saint Louis used a 9-3 to build a six-point lead after a Jetta Brenning ace. Rhode Island was able to chip away and get within three at 21-18 following an attack error by the Billikens, but that was as close as it got. A 4-0 run that included two kills from Kayla Jansen gave Saint Louis the set to even the match.

Set Three - Saint Louis 25, Rhode Island 18
Saint Louis got its offense clicking in the third, hitting .324 as a team. The Billikens had 17 kills with just five errors in the set, allowing them to play with the lead for the bulk of the set. Setter Jetta Brennig had nine assists and three kills to lead the way as the hosts moved ahead, 2-1.

Set Four - Saint Louis 25, Rhode Island 17
The final set was even through the first 22 points after a Sydney Houchens kill tied the score 11-11. From there, Saint Louis took over, scoring six straight points. The Billikens powered their way to the finish, getting 15 kills with just one error in the set. As a team, they hit .500. Tamia Maddox led the way with four kills, while Irmak Gokcen, Tea Kalajdzic and Kayla Jansen all had three kills in the frame.

Inside the Box Score

• Aerin Bowman was Rhode Island's top offensive player, delivering 11 kills with just three errors.
• She also had four blocks.
• Havyn Rolle had six kills and five blocks.
• Dakota Henry had a team-high 17 digs.
• Sydney Houchens added 10 digs and two kills.
• Saint Louis setter Jetta Brenning had 40 assists, 18 digs and six kills.

Up Next
Rhode Island and Saint Louis are back at it Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. EST. The match is scheduled to be streamed.