Ben Martindale, Staff Writer
Women’s basketball at the University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island maintained its perfect 13-0 conference record, defeating VCU 85-42. The Rams got off to a bad start, going scoreless for over four minutes. Rhode Island took full advantage, piling on the points early en route to a 22-2 first-quarter lead. Rhode Island never looked back, going on to blow out the Rams in their worst loss since 2017. The Rams have now lost three games in a row.
Men’s basketball at La Salle University
VCU extended its winning streak to eight, beating La Salle 77-68. After a competitive first half that saw both teams lead, VCU pulled ahead and controlled the second half, never allowing La Salle a chance to regain the lead. VCU third-year forward Lazar Djokovic continued his exceptional play this season, dropping a career high 26 points to go along with eight rebounds. First-year standout guard Nyk Lewis scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, tallying his second double-double of the season. The Rams also received excellent production from third-year forward Michael Belle, who set a career high four blocks.
Women’s tennis vs. the College of William and Mary
VCU women’s tennis lost a hard fought matchup against William and Mary 4-2. The Rams performed well in their double matchups and would go on to win the doubles point taking a 1-0 lead. However, William and Mary bounced back in singles play, defeating VCU in all but one match. VCU second-year Sophia Jane Thorne was a bright spot for VCU, after losing the first set 6-3, she would pull off an impressive comeback to win 6-2 and 6-1 in the second and third sets respectively. VCU now holds a record of 3-3 on the season.
Men’s tennis at Davidson College
VCU men’s tennis got its fourth win of the season, sweeping Davidson 4-0. This match was the Rams’ first road appearance of the season. VCU second-years Erwann Bouchet and Kostiantyn Mantach got the ball rolling winning their doubles match 6-4. Rams second-years Nicolo Consonni and Gevorg Mnatsakanyan handled business, winning their doubles match 7-5 to secure the doubles point. In singles play, VCU continued its stellar play as Bouchet and second-year Leon Zaorski dispatched their opponents in straight sets. With the match on the line, Mnatsakanyan fell behind early before coming back to beat his opponent 1-6, 6-2, 6-4 and secure the victory for VCU.
Baseball vs. the College of Holy Cross
VCU baseball opened its season with a three game series against Holy Cross. The Rams won all three games and started their season 3-0 for the first time since 2011.
Game 1
The Rams won the first game of the series 2-1. Pitching was the Rams biggest key to success as VCU combined for 17 strikeouts, the most in a game since 2021. Additionally, the Rams pitching crew allowed for just one hit on the day for the first time since 2019. With the game tied at one in the bottom of the ninth, third-year outfielder Ethan Acevedo hit a fly ball to left field, allowing third-year infielder/outfielder Trent Adelman to score and win the game for VCU in walkoff fashion.
Game 2
After a competitive first game, VCU seemed to have Holy Cross’s number, winning in dominant fashion 14-1 to kick off a Saturday double header. VCU cruised from start to finish, getting off to a massive 12 run lead through the first three innings. The VCU lead blossomed to 14 before Holy Cross scored its lone run of the game in the seventh and final inning.
Game 3
VCU carried its momentum into the second game of the day but this time Holy Cross was determined to make the game more competitive. Through three innings Holy Cross did just that, as the two teams were knotted up at one run a piece. In the fourth inning VCU found its groove, scoring five runs and taking a 6-1 lead. The Rams would not let up from there and would go on to trounce Holy Cross 19-7.
Women’s tennis at East Carolina University
VCU women’s tennis lost a razor close matchup to East Carolina. The Rams found themselves behind early, dropping the doubles point to the Pirates. VCU battled back in singles play to make the match competitive. Rams’ standout Jane Thorne won her fourth match in five appearances at the No. 1 spot. VCU first-year Viktoria Lackova and second-year Andrea Magallanes both won their respective matches, but VCU would fall 4-3.
Women’s basketball vs. Saint Bonaventure University
VCU women’s basketball lost its fourth game in a row to St. Bonaventure, 64-53. The Rams kept the game competitive early, going into halftime down only two. However, St. Bonaventure pulled away as the second half progressed. Despite the loss, there were some bright spots as second-year forward Katarina Kneževic posted her first career double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. VCU has yet to win a game since firing longtime head coach Beth O’Boyle.