October 3, 2009

Rio takes down Carlow in straight sets at home

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm volleyball team squared their mark at 10-10 on the season after gaining a straight set victory over Carlow University on Saturday morning at the Newt Oliver Arena. The RedStorm won by scores of 25-13, 25-13 and 25-18. 

Rio Grande improved to 6-2 at home this season with the victory.

Junior setter and team tri-captain Ashley Bloom spoke about the win after the match. "It (the win) felt really good, our hitters were really on today, our passing was amazing, which made it so much easier," Bloom said. "We were just having fun, which makes it so much easier to win."

Bloom said the chemistry on the team this year is one of the keys to the improved play. "We all know what we need to get done and to work together as a team and our team chemistry is amazing," she said. "We all mesh really well, which makes it so much easier, we're all just out there having fun and we know what we need to get done and we just get it done."

Bloom handed 21 assists in the match and tallied three serve aces and two block assists. Bloom was 17-of-18 serving on the day. 

Freshman middle hitter Erin Sherman (South Webster, OH) led the team on both sides of the net with 11 kills and five solo blocks to go along with five block assists.   Freshman outside hitters Whitney Smith (Albany, OH) and Erin Moore (South Webster, OH) each added five kills. Smith also went, a flawless 12-for-12 serving with one ace and posted two block assists. 

Junior middle hitter Kati Moore (Lancaster, OH) was a factor at the net as she recorded one solo block and six block assists. 

Junior Jacquie Whittle (Chillicothe, OH), who played outside in this match, led the defense with 10 digs while sophomore Kristen Cassady (Logan, OH) slid into the libero spot and registered seven digs.   Whittle also went 11-for-11 serving in the match. 

Carlow falls to 9-12 on the season with the loss. Rio remains unbeaten against the Celtics in the all-time series, now holding an 8-0 advantage. 

Rio Grande will have a full week off before hitting the court again, next Saturday, October 10 versus, former American Mideast Conference foe, Walsh. The Cavaliers received 29 votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll. The match will begin at 11 a.m. at the Newt Oliver Arena.