Friday, October 24
Houston, Texas
6 PM
Rice University
vs
UTSA
Rice closes weekend with sweep over UTSA
10/12/2025 4:05:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
SAN ANTONIO – The Rice volleyball team swept UTSA in straight sets Friday at the Convocation Center.
Rice (9-8, 5-1 American) recorded its fourth consecutive sweep, holding UTSA (10-7, 3-3 American) to a .048 hitting percentage.
Taylor Preston led the Owls with 12 kills, while Kellen Dorotik and Aaliyah Smith each added nine. Kaia Mateo posted 34 assists and four blocks.
Arissa Smith led the team with six blocks, and Gaby Mansfield finished with 14 digs.
Postgame Reaction – Head Coach Genny Volpe
"Very proud of the team's execution today and getting a sweep on the road in the American is always a good thing. I thought Lademi Ogunlana was excellent all weekend and efficient for us. I also am pleased with how Mateo is distributing the ball and creating a well balanced offense. I think from a defensive standpoint, Mansfield continues to show why she is one of the best defenders in the conference and takes on such a load for us in serve receive. We will rest up and get ready for a quick turnaround road game vs Tulane."
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
Rice jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and went on to dominate the opening frame. The Owls used a 7-0 run, sparked by a kill from Preston, who finished with five kills in the set, to extend their lead to 21-11. Rice out hit UTSA .342 to -.028 and took the first set 25-13.
Second Set
UTSA struck first, but Rice responded with a 4-0 run and maintained control throughout the set. The Owls held the Roadrunners to a .033 hitting percentage and closed out the frame on a block by Preston to win 25-18.
Third Set
The final set was tightly contested early, with the Owls trailing before tying the score at 10. A kill by Aaliyah Smith gave Rice an 18-17 lead they would not relinquish. Preston sealed the match with a kill for a 25-21 win. Rice hit .231 in the set, while UTSA hit .128.
UP NEXT
Rice will face Tulane on the road Wednesday and host Wichita State on Sunday. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
Rice (9-8, 5-1 American) recorded its fourth consecutive sweep, holding UTSA (10-7, 3-3 American) to a .048 hitting percentage.
Taylor Preston led the Owls with 12 kills, while Kellen Dorotik and Aaliyah Smith each added nine. Kaia Mateo posted 34 assists and four blocks.
Arissa Smith led the team with six blocks, and Gaby Mansfield finished with 14 digs.
Postgame Reaction – Head Coach Genny Volpe
"Very proud of the team's execution today and getting a sweep on the road in the American is always a good thing. I thought Lademi Ogunlana was excellent all weekend and efficient for us. I also am pleased with how Mateo is distributing the ball and creating a well balanced offense. I think from a defensive standpoint, Mansfield continues to show why she is one of the best defenders in the conference and takes on such a load for us in serve receive. We will rest up and get ready for a quick turnaround road game vs Tulane."
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
Rice jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and went on to dominate the opening frame. The Owls used a 7-0 run, sparked by a kill from Preston, who finished with five kills in the set, to extend their lead to 21-11. Rice out hit UTSA .342 to -.028 and took the first set 25-13.
Second Set
UTSA struck first, but Rice responded with a 4-0 run and maintained control throughout the set. The Owls held the Roadrunners to a .033 hitting percentage and closed out the frame on a block by Preston to win 25-18.
Third Set
The final set was tightly contested early, with the Owls trailing before tying the score at 10. A kill by Aaliyah Smith gave Rice an 18-17 lead they would not relinquish. Preston sealed the match with a kill for a 25-21 win. Rice hit .231 in the set, while UTSA hit .128.
UP NEXT
Rice will face Tulane on the road Wednesday and host Wichita State on Sunday. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
L/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
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