Women's volleyball tops New Hampshire, finishes weekend 1-2

9/16/08 - The University of Rhode Island Women's volleyball team won its first match against the University of New Hampshire Friday night at the UNH Invitational, defeating the Wildcats in five sets but losing its last two matches. Junior Caitlyn Welsh continued her outstanding play, leading the team with 15 kills. Senior Peggy Doino once again led the defense with 23 digs in the match.

Freshman Stacey Yohannes stepped up and tallied 12 kills, while freshman Kayla Wilson added 11 kills.

"We hadn't beat UNH in recent history, so that was a nice victory," head coach Bob Schneck said.

The next morning, URI was matched up against a formidable opponent in Seton Hall University. The Rams fell short with a 3-2 loss. This was the fourth straight match for URI that went to a fifth set.

Welsh led the Rams with 14 kills, Yohannes (13 kills), and Wilson (10 kills). Doino poured in 26 digs to lead the defense.

"We were matched up pretty evenly with Seton Hall," said Schneck. "If we were able to play as well as we had the previous weekend, we would've beaten them. We need to duplicate the effort that we showed against South Carolina last weekend."

The third and final match of the weekend was against the University of Evansville. Evansville came out strong, and did not look back, taking the Rams in three straight games.

Wilson led the team offensively with 11 kills. Welsh continued her consistent play, with 10 kills. Welsh has finished eight out of the team's 10 matches in double figures this season.

"Against Evansville we really had our hands full," Schneck said. "We've had a lot of matches going to five games, and that can really tire a team out."

The completion of the tournament left the Rams with a record of 5-5. Welsh earned All-Tournament honors.

Rhode Island returns home this week, with matches today and tomorrow against Northeastern University and the College of Holy Cross, in preparation for Atlantic 10 divisional play.

"I feel like we have a good chance to be 7-5 by the end of the week," said Schneck. "If we can play at our best more consistently, we can make it to the championship. If we allow ourselves to fluctuate, we will struggle.