Box Score DARTMOUTH, Mass. – University of Massachusetts Dartmouth mounted a feverish comeback, but Rhode Island College was able to keep the Corsairs at bay with a 3-1 Little East Conference victory this evening at the Tripp Athletic Center.
The Anchorwomen (8-8) registered a 25-14, 25-19, 22-25, and 25-21 victory to improve to 2-1 in the conference circuit, while the Corsairs (8-10) fell to 0-3 in Little East action.
Juniors Jasmine Burris (New Bedford, Mass. / Greater New Bedford) and Eliza Bowes (West Yarmouth, Mass. / Dennis-Yarmouth) each reached double digits in kills to lead UMass Dartmouth. Burris recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 19 digs, while Bowes put down 10 winners and two service aces. Sophomore Christina Spinazola (Medway, Mass.) piloted the attack with 28 assists, while junior libero Brianna Perry (Acushnet, Mass. / New Bedford) tallied 20 digs.
Rhode Island College junior Michelle Malboeuf (Cumberland, R.I.) dominated both sides of the net with a match-high 13 kills and 20 digs. Freshman Abigayl White (Coventry, R.I.) dished out 37 of the visitors' 42 assists, while sophomore Megan Armburg (Swansea, Mass. / Joseph Case) posted 24 digs.
Facing a 2-0 deficit and a 17-7 disadvantage on the scoreboard, the Corsairs rallied by scoring 18 of the final 23 points to earn a 25-22 win in the third set. Spinazola sparked the surge with seven consecutive points on her serve to whittle the deficit to 17-14. The Anchorwomen were temporarily able to stem the tide, but the visitors committed attacking errors on three of their next four swings. UMass Dartmouth rode the hot hand down the stretch as Burris fired in three kills to create the decisive margin.
In a back and forth final set, Rhode Island College scored six of the next seven points during a run midway through the frame to take a commanding 19-14 lead. The Corsairs were able to trim their deficit to 23-20, but the Anchorwomen closed out the match with three of the final four points.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 7 p.m. on Oct. 9, when the Corsairs travel to Wentworth for a non-conference match.
