Box Score PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Senior Kelsey Lace (Glendale, R.I.) and classmate Michelle Malboeuf (Cumberland, R.I.) combined for 29 kills to lead Rhode Island College to a 3-0 victory over visiting University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in a Little East Conference volleyball match inside The Murray Center.
The Anchorwomen won for the third time in four matches to improve to 14-7 and 2-2 inside the conference circuit, while the Corsairs dropped their fourth consecutive contest to fall to 9-14 and 1-3 against Little East Conference opponents.
Senior Kayla Kirby (Westport, Mass.) registered four kills and two errors on just 12 swings to lead the UMass Dartmouth offensive attack. Junior Megan Ronaghan (North Attleboro, Mass.) and freshman Olivia Wallett (Willington, Conn.) each posted three winners, while junior Christina Spinazola (Medway, Mass.) handed out 10 assists. Senior Brianna Perry (Acushnet, Mass.) accounted for 10 of the 22 Corsair digs.
Lace turned in a dominant hitting performance, registering a match-high 19 kills and three errors on 33 swings. Malboeuf also reached double digits in winners with 10, while sophomore Abigayl White (Coventry, R.I.) piloted the offensive with 27 assists.
Rhode Island College came storming out of the gates, winning the opening set 25-4.
UMass Dartmouth found its offensive rhythm in the second set, scoring five consecutive points and nine out of 10 to take a 16-9 advantage. The Anchorwomen responded by registering seven of eight points to forge a 21-all tie. The Corsairs were in position to take the second stanza after a kill by Ronaghan (24-22), but Rhode Island College strung together four straight points to earn the frame.
The Anchorwomen led from wire-to-wire in the third frame, sealing the match with a 25-13 decision.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15, when the Corsairs host Wentworth.
