Friday, October 3
Birmingham, Ala.
7 PM
Rice University
3
at
0
UAB
Owls secure first conference sweep
10/3/2025 9:21:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Rice volleyball secured its first conference sweep of the season with a 3-0 win over UAB on Friday night at Bartow Arena.
Rice (6-8, 2-1 American) came out strong and maintained control throughout, outhitting UAB (7-8, 0-3 American) by a margin of .261 to .067.
Taylor Preston led the Owls with 12 kills, while Kellen Dorotik and Arissa Smith each added nine. Rice finished with 47 total kills on the night.
Kaia Mateo recorded her second double-double of the season with 32 assists and 14 digs. She also tallied three blocks, matching Arissa Smith for the team high.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
Rice took control early and never looked back, opening the match with a dominant 25-14 win in the first set. The Owls closed the frame on a 7-0 run, capped by a service ace from Darby Harris. Rice hit .235 in the set while holding UAB to a -.025 hitting percentage. Taylor Preston led the way with four kills.
Second Set
The second set was more competitive, with both teams trading points until Rice pulled ahead late. A kill by Lademi Ogunlana gave the Owls a 19-18 lead, and Kellen Dorotik sealed the set with a kill to make it 25-21. Rice hit .231 while limiting UAB to a .086 mark. Arissa Smith led all players with five kills in the set.
Third Set
Rice closed out the match with another strong performance, taking the third set 25-17. The Owls finished with a .316 hitting percentage, compared to UAB's .172. Rice controlled the latter stages of the set to complete the sweep.
UP NEXT
Rice will face Memphis on Sunday to close out the weekend. First serve is at 1 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
Rice (6-8, 2-1 American) came out strong and maintained control throughout, outhitting UAB (7-8, 0-3 American) by a margin of .261 to .067.
Taylor Preston led the Owls with 12 kills, while Kellen Dorotik and Arissa Smith each added nine. Rice finished with 47 total kills on the night.
Kaia Mateo recorded her second double-double of the season with 32 assists and 14 digs. She also tallied three blocks, matching Arissa Smith for the team high.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
Rice took control early and never looked back, opening the match with a dominant 25-14 win in the first set. The Owls closed the frame on a 7-0 run, capped by a service ace from Darby Harris. Rice hit .235 in the set while holding UAB to a -.025 hitting percentage. Taylor Preston led the way with four kills.
Second Set
The second set was more competitive, with both teams trading points until Rice pulled ahead late. A kill by Lademi Ogunlana gave the Owls a 19-18 lead, and Kellen Dorotik sealed the set with a kill to make it 25-21. Rice hit .231 while limiting UAB to a .086 mark. Arissa Smith led all players with five kills in the set.
Third Set
Rice closed out the match with another strong performance, taking the third set 25-17. The Owls finished with a .316 hitting percentage, compared to UAB's .172. Rice controlled the latter stages of the set to complete the sweep.
UP NEXT
Rice will face Memphis on Sunday to close out the weekend. First serve is at 1 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
DS
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
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