Rhode Island Starters
Lalli, Houchens, Johnson, Bracey, Abuto, Richter, Henry (L)
Merrimack Starters
Afolalu, Hammerstrand, Shotwell, Izzo, Oxcelus, Kenney, Maldonado (L), Moore (L)
How it Happened
Rhode Island (5-5) got back to .500 for the season with a dominant three-set sweep of Merrimack, which fell to 0-11. The Rams won 25-16, 25-11, 25-17 at UConn's For the Blue and White Tournament Friday afternoon, their first 3-0 victory of the season. Â
Set One - Rhode Island 25, Merrimack 16
The Rams were clicking early, hitting .400 in the opening set. The tandem of
McKenna Melton and
Emily Sawyer provided four kills each, while setter
Ema Stermenska had eight assists. The defense limited Merrimack to a .036 with seven kills and six attack errors. Sawyer had two solo blocks, while
Chloe Abuto had a solo block and a block assist to lead the way.
Set Two - Rhode Island 25, Merrimack 11
The second set was Rhode Island's widest margin of success this season, as the Rams strolled to a 25-11 win. With Merrimack recording just five kills while committing nine attack errors, the outcome was never in down. At one point,
Dakota Henry had three consecutive services aces to highlight the frame.
Set Three - Rhode Island 25, Merrimack 17
It was over quickly, as Rhode Island got out to a 17-7 lead and cruised to the victory. The Rams had five more service aces - including two by
Dakota Henry, and the defense had six more blocks in the set. Merrimack had just six kills to go with eight attack errors and never threatened the Rhody lead.
Inside the Box Score
- The last time Rhode Island was .500 through the first 10 matches of the season was 2018. The last time URI was above .500 through 10 matches was 2015, when it was 7-3.
- It was the team's first sweep since starting the 2025 season with 3-0 wins over Siena and Central Connecticut State.
- With the victory, Rhode Island has already matched last season's win total.
- The Rams set a season high with 12 service aces. It is the fourth straight match URI has reached double digits in the category.
- The Rams forced Merrimack to a negative attack percentage at minus-.047 (18 kills, 22 attack errors in 86 attempts).
- Chloe Abuto and Emily Sawyer both had three solo blocks and one block assist.
- Dakota Henry led the team with five aces to go with three digs and three assists.
- McKenna Melton led the Rams with nine kills and just one error, hitting a match-best .667. She added five digs.
- Ema Stermenska had 13 assists and six digs, both team highs. She also had two aces.
Up Next
Rhode Island plays Coppin State on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2:30 p.m. The match will stream on UConn Huskies Live.
