Sept. 9, 2011
Columbia Box Score | Wisconsin Box Score
Setting the Scene
Friday was the opening day of Rhode Island's third annual Art
Carmichael Invitational, a four-team round robin including
Wisconsin, Boston College and Columbia. After winning its event
last year, the Rams had a tough first day this season, falling in
five sets to Columbia and then getting swept by Wisconsin despite
an exciting third set in which the host team pushed their Big Tem
counterparts to extra time before the Badgers finally closed the
match out.
How It Happened
In the most exciting match of the day, the Rams (5-3) started
strong, taking the opening set against Columbia 25-14. As a team,
Rhode Island had a .393 attack percentage and getting sideouts on
12 of 15 attempts in the set. The Lions (3-1) took the next two
sets, but Rhode Island bounced back to take the fourth set 25-20
before falling 17-15 in the final frame. In was a different story
against Wisconsin (5-3), as the powerful Badgers swept Rhode
Island.
Top Performances
Sophomore Jill
Anderson led the Rams with a .367 attack percentage for the two
matches, notching 24 kills and just six attack errors in 49
attempts. Anderson also led the team with seven blocks. Freshman Katherine
Kolodziej was steady at libero handling 58 of 60 touches
cleanly and posting a team-best 42 digs.
What it Means
With the two losses, the Rams fall to 5-3 on the season. Rhody
looks for its first home win of the season against Boston College
in the finale of the Carmichael Invitational Saturday night (7
p.m.).
Stat of the Day
Of the six sets the Rams dropped Friday, three were by two points,
and a four was just a three-point deficit. In the 3-2 loss to
Columbia, Rhode Island actually scored nine points more total than
the Lions.
What's Next
The Rams close out the Carmichael Invitational Saturday against
Boston College (7 p.m.). The Eagles also face Columbia tomorrow (3
p.m.). The first match of the day will feature Wisconsin against
Columbia (11 a.m.).
Additional Notes
- Wisconsin swept both of its matches Friday, beating Boston College 3-0 in the middle game.
- Junior Lauren Wong played well off the bench for Rhode Island against Columbia. She converted all three of her attacks to kills, and added a pair of blocks on defense.