Nov. 5 recap: How every VCU team did this week

Yenni Jimenez Acosta, Contributing Writer

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor

Women’s volleyball at Davidson College

VCU traveled to Davidson and returned home with a decisive 3-0 victory. Fourth-year opposite Julia Rienks was unstoppable in the Rams’ sweep, with 23 kills, one ace and two blocks. VCU won each set more convincingly than the last, winning 25-19, 25-16 and 25-15. The Rams only struggled in the first set after a 10-4 setback, but a quick recovery set the tone for the remainder of the sets. 

Field hockey vs. University of Richmond 

VCU left the game with a 2-1 loss to cross-town rivals Richmond. Richmond opened up the scoring while VCU failed on multiple offensive opportunities. VCU fourth-year Morena Macera scored the tie goal in the fourth period. The Spiders found the winner in double overtime to crush the Rams’ regular season championship aspirations, as they both won a share of the title. 

Women’s soccer at University of Rhode Island

VCU lost 2-1 against Rhode Island in the women’s Atlantic 10 quarterfinals on home turf. This loss concluded head coach Lauryn Hutchinson’s debut season, with the team’s overall stats standing at seven wins, 10 losses and three draws. Rhode Island opened the game with two goals in the first half to shoot out in front. VCU stormed back with an immediate goal to start the second half from second-year midfielder Keira McCloskey. VCU continued to dominate in the second half but were unable to find the equalizer. 

Women’s volleyball at George Washington University (game one)

VCU faced off against George Washington University twice this past weekend. The Rams and the Revolutionaries each walked away with a win. VCU won the first game 3-1, bringing its win streak against GWU to five. Rienks and Fourth-year outside hitter Alicja Jaryszek combined for 22 kills, seven aces and nine blocks.

Women’s volleyball at George Washington University (game two) 

The Rams saw an end to this streak during the second game when they lost 3-2 against the Revolutionaries. VCU’s costly errors paved the way to its loss despite an advantage on kills, assists and aces. The Rams took the first set 26-24 before losing two straight. VCU made a final push in the fourth set to take it to five, but GWU shut the door on a weekend sweep. Jaryszek was the standout player for the Rams with 16 kills, two aces and two blocks. 

Men’s soccer vs. Davidson College

The Rams came away with a 2-1 victory against the Wildcats on Saturday and ended their seven-game undefeated streak. Fourth-year midfielder Andres Rodriguez made the game-winning goal and third-year defender Pedro Salmon blocked a last minute attempt from the Wildcats to score at the 85-minute mark.

Men’s basketball vs. Wagner College

The Rams conquered the Seahawks 103-74 for the season’s opening game. VCU was neck and neck against Wagner for the majority of the first half until the Rams went on a 10-1 run to end with a 41-33 advantage. During the early stages of the second half, the Seahawks fell back as the Rams pushed their lead. Three players had career games — third-year forward Lazar Djokovic led with 21 points, while second-year guards Terrence Hill Jr. and Brandon Jennings scored 17 and 15 points respectively.