VCU Volleyball extends win streak to 7 after sweep of URI

Nile McNair, Contributing Writer

Volleyball continued their hot streak after a week off from matches, sweeping Rhode Island 3-0 at the Siegel Center on Friday night.  

A major scoring run from VCU was the difference in the first set. With the first tied at six points apiece, VCU went on a 8-0 run to separate themselves from Rhode Island. VCU’s lead only grew from that point on, helping them win the first set 25-15.

The second set was much more exciting and competitive as Rhode Island hung with the black and gold throughout. VCU couldn’t score as quickly as they did in the first set, and the score stayed close. 

Nonetheless, using both power attacks from redshirt-senior middle blocker Jaelyn Jackson and finesse attacks from junior outside hitter Paula Neciporuka, VCU managed to win a close second set 25-19.

Looking to avoid being swept in three straight sets, Rhode Island jumped out to an early lead in the third set. The Rhode Island lead grew to as large as five points when they held an 11-6 lead during the third set. 

VCU quickly erased the deficit and went on a massive scoring run to take a 17-11 lead that would lead to a timeout from Rhode Island. 

“We just needed to pass the first ball better, and I think it’s the little things we tell them that they understand and they changed them which makes us as coaches look better,” coach Jody Rogers said. 

VCU finished the third set on a 19-5 scoring run, which led them to win the third and final set 25-16.

The volleyball team will be back in action Sunday at home against Fordham.

“When you do lose sets in a match the concentration gets a little low so I think the girls really need to focus on concentrating and executing and doing those things to get better, especially against Fordham on Sunday,” Rogers said.

The Rams host Fordham Sunday afternoon at noon.