Volleyball Drops 3-0 Decision to RIC in Home Opener

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The visiting Rhode Island College volleyball team cruised to a 3-0 non-conference victory over Bridgewater State University on Saturday afternoon at the Tinsley Center.

The Anchorwomen even their record at 3-3 on the young season, while the host Bears fall to 0-2. The match marked the home opener for Bridgewater State.

Freshman outside hitter Amelia Murphy (North Attleboro, Mass.) paced the visitors with 12 kills and a .526 hitting percentage, while junior setter Jacqueline Jutras (Foster, R.I.) dished out 28 assists to go along with three kills and eight digs. Senior outside hitter Jillian Ward (Coventry, R.I.) filled the stat sheet with nine kills, 12 digs, a pair of aces, two assists and an assisted block. Junior middle hitter Jessica Brielmaier (West Greenwich, R.I.) checked in with six kills, four blocks (three solo) and three digs.

Sophomore right side hitter Alexis Duarte (Fairhaven, Mass.) and senior outside hitter Kayla Baril (Seekonk, Mass.) tallied six kills apiece for Bridgewater State, while freshman right side hitter Rebecca Whalen (Plymouth, Mass.) added five. Senior libero Cassidy Tyros (Chelmsford, Mass.) paced the defense with 18 digs. Sophomore setter Casey Holmes (Norton, Mass.) and senior setter Picabo Miskiv (Barnstable, Mass.) combined for 18 assists with Holmes leading the way with ten.

RIC finished with a solid team hitting percentage of .356 and recorded seven aces. BSU posted a .031 hitting percentage and notched three aces.

In upcoming action, the Bears open Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) on Tuesday evening at home against Fitchburg State University. Match time is slated for 6:00 PM. The Anchorwomen travel to Smith College on Thursday for a seven o'clock non-conference affair with the Pioneers.