Rice University
12-4,6-0AAC
Memphis
5-13,1-5AAC
Volleyball Extends Unbeaten Streak to Eight Matches with 3-1 Win Over Memphis
10/6/2023 8:25:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Rice volleyball extended their winning streak to eight matches and remained unbeaten in conference play with a 3-1 (25-18, 20-25, 25-9, 25-14) win over Memphis on Friday night at the Larry O. Finch Center in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Owls (12-4, 6-0 AAC) hit .257 with 39 kills while holding the Tigers (5-13, 1-5 AAC) to .060 hitting. It is Rice's eighth consecutive match holding the opponent below a .200 hitting percentage.
Senior outside hitter Sahara Maruska powered the Owl offense, tallying 14 kills on a .333 hitting percentage to go along with three total blocks and six digs. Graduate senior Emilia Weske added nine kills and eight digs and junior middle blocker Kaitlyn Knobbe recorded seven kills and five blocks, tying for the team lead in blocks alongside graduate senior middle blocker Satasha Kostelecky. Senior defensive specialist Nia McCardell again anchored Rice's defense with 19 digs, while sophomore defensive specialist Gaby Mansfield added 13 digs.
Postgame Reaction - Head Coach Genny Volpe
"Overall, we played pretty solid. We just had a pretty poor second set. Sahara (Maruska) really stepped up offensively and it was great to see our middles get more involved."
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
The Owls opened the match in strong fashion, beginning the first set on an 8-2 run to take instant control. Rice's advantage grew to double-digits at 16-6 before the Tigers closed the gap with a 6-0 run, ultimately trimming the lead to as few as three points at 18-15. An all-around effort from the Owls closed out the set, however, as six different players registered a point in the final seven points of the set to clinch the 25-18 first-set victory.
Second Set
The Tigers made the first move of the second set, utilizing two 3-0 runs to take an early lead before the Owls stormed back to tie the set at 10. After exchanging points through several rallies, Memphis retook the lead with another 3-0 spurt to grab a 17-14 advantage. Despite multiple attempts from the Owls to close the gap, another 3-0 run closed out the second set for the Tigers.
Third Set
After dropping their first set since Sept. 23 at Tulsa, the Owls responded in force. After playing to a 2-2 score early in the third set, the Owls embarked on an 8-1 to again take firm control of the match. After a brief Tiger run cut the lead to five points, Rice again caught fire for a 13-1 run to take a 24-7 lead. After several last-gasp attempts to extend the set, the Owls clinched the rubber-match set, 25-9. The Owls hit .458 with 11 kills and recorded 15 digs during the set.
Fourth Set
With a chance to clinch the match, the Owls nary hesitated, posting two 4-0 runs early in the fourth set to take a 10-4 lead. Following a pair of Tiger points, Rice swiftly shut the door with a 9-1 run en route to a 19-7 lead. The lead ultimately proved insurmountable as Maruska recorded her 14th and final kill of the night to clinch the set, 25-14, and the match, 3-1.
UP NEXT
Rice remains on the road on Sunday, Oct.8, to take on Charlotte. First serve is scheduled for noon (CT) and will be streamed on ESPN+.
