RedStorm volleyball drops two at tri-match

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm volleyball team has hit a rough spot as they dropped both games of a tri-match on Saturday at Notre Dame College, losing in four games to Daemen College, 22-25,25-19,25-23 and 25-22. Rio would also lose to Notre Dame College in straight sets, 25-15,25-15,25-14.

Rio Grande (12-14) has lost three consecutive matches.

Against Daemen (14-12), freshman outside hitter Whitney Smith (Albany, OH) led the Rio offense with 10 kills and also played well on the defensive side of the net, accounting for 18 digs. Freshman middle hitter Erin Sherman (South Webster, OH) added nine kills, to go along with three solo blocks and two block assists. Junior middle hitter Kati Moore (Lancaster, OH) played well in defeat, contributing eight kills, four solo blocks and four block assists to the Rio cause. Junior middle blocker Rachel Walker (Ironton, OH) added six kills. 

Junior libero Jacquie Whittle (Chillicothe, OH) led the defense with 30 digs.

Junior setter Ashley Bloom (Columbus, OH) recorded 18 assists and posted 12 digs while freshman setter Micah Motes (Chillicothe, OH) chipped in with 15 assists. Bloom also had three aces on 18-of-19 serving.

Sophomore defensive specialist Kristen Cassady (Logan, OH) made a mark on offense, going 21-for-21 serving with one ace. 

Against Notre Dame College (13-14), Rio was led by Sherman's nine kills and Smith's eight kills. Whittle again carried the defense with 18 digs, followed by Smith with 14 digs. Smith led in serving, going 10-for-10 with one ace. 

Bloom led in assists with 12. 

Rio Grande will look to get back on the right track against arch-rival Shawnee State on Tuesday night at the Newt Oliver Arena. The match is set to start at 7 p.m.