Rhody women's volleyball earns promising split over the weekend

10/16/08 - The University of Rhode Island women's volleyball team split two weekend contests, falling 3-1 to Saint Louis University Friday and defeating Duquesne University 3-1 Saturday.The Rams hosted the Billikens Friday and despite the loss, head coach Bob Schneck praised his team.

"It was the very best I have seen this team play ever," Schneck said in regards to the Rhody women.

Saint Louis is ranked 15th in the country in the NCAA's ratings percentage index. This rating system is based on a team's winning percentage, its opponents' winning percentage, and the winning percentage of those opponents' opponents.

Rhody stayed close throughout the entire contest, losing the first game 25-21, winning the second 25-23 and losing the third 26-24.

In the fourth and deciding game, the Rams traded points with the Billikens until they were tied at 18. The Rams took five of the next six points. Saint Louis responded by winning eight of the last nine points to take the contest.

"We were up 24-21 in the third game and being as young a team as we are, we don't quite know how to close yet," Schneck said. "Had we closed that game out, we would be have been up against one of the top 15 teams in the country two games to one."

Schneck said he felt like the pressure would have been on the Billikens at that point with the Rams riding a heavy momentum shift.

"It was a really great effort by the girls, a fantastic job," Schneck said.

He said the team was particularly excited to play against Saint Louis because of the team's high ranking, and were also excited to impress family members in the stands.

"We haven't seen them play that well since we played against South Carolina back in our home tournament," Schneck said.

The Rams carried their strong play into the next day, as they took down Duquesne 3-1.

"We absolutely needed to beat Duquesne," said Schneck.

The Dukes came into the game at 13-6, and URI needed a win to stay at .500.

Schneck said his team's goals are to have a winning season and to make the Atlantic 10 tournament.

The Rams fell in the first game, 25-23, but responded by taking the next three, 25-22, 25-20 and 25-21 respectively.

"I think a lot of people thought Friday night would just be a fluke but there was never really a point where we thought we were going lose against a very good Duquesne team," Schneck said.

He complimented team captain and junior Caitlyn Welsh on her play and leadership, as well as sophomore Lauren McIntosh on her consistency.

He said his team has begun to gel, and is ready to turn a corner after a disappointing three years.

"I think we're one class away from being able to compete consistently with the big boys," Schneck said.

Rhody needs five A-10 wins to fulfill their goal of making it into the A-10 tournament. They currently have only one, and Schneck admits it will be a challenge.

"We play in the west division with all of the top teams," he said.

Despite the difficulties, Schneck said it can be done after watching his team play this weekend.

"We're for real," he said.

The Rams will face strong challenges from A-10 powerhouses Dayton and Xavier this weekend. Xavier always brings a packed house, and Schneck said how his young players respond to the fans heckling is what will decide the game.

"There's no way it's not going to bother the freshmen," Schneck said. "I just try to downplay it and remind them that it's the same size court and the same size ball."

Schneck has no predictions for this weekend, but said his team has been getting better every day and taking steps in the right direction.

The Rams will face a vulnerable Dayton team who lost its All-American setter to an ACL injury.

URI plays Dayton Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Xavier.