Now Reading: Owls Sweep Charlotte for 11th Straight Win
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Owls Sweep Charlotte for 11th Straight Win
Owls Sweep Charlotte for 11th Straight Win
Rice (15-8, 11-1 American) had three Owls hit over .400 in its 14th straight win over Charlotte (15-9, 9-6 American) and 11th consecutive victory this season. The Owls took sole possession of first place in the American Conference standings after South Florida fell to Wichita State.
Freshman Aaliyah Smith led Rice with 13 kills, while Kellen Dorotik recorded 11 and Taylor Preston added 10. Dorotik had a career-high .556 hitting percentage.
Kaia Mateo tallied her sixth double-double of the season with 45 assists and 10 digs. Arissa Smith finished with three blocks, and Darby Harris led the team with 15 digs.
Postgame Reaction – Head Coach Genny Volpe
“Really proud of our discipline and attention to detail today. Charlotte has a very good defense that really challenged our offense. I’m very proud of our team’s fight and execution. We are continuing to improve and it is a great time to do that.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
The Owls kicked off the match with a 4-0 run. The Niners tied it at 12 with a 5-0 run of their own. Aaliyah Smith led the charge offensively with six kills in the first set, including three straight for an 18-13 lead. Rice held the advantage the rest of the way, taking the opening frame 25-18.
Second Set
The Niners slowed the Owls early before Rice went on a 6-1 run to take control. Charlotte tried to respond, but Rice continued to roll, hitting .306 and holding the Niners to a .125 hitting percentage in the 25-16 win. The Owls closed the set on a 4-0 run.
Third Set
The final set started strong for the Owls, who jumped out to a 12-5 lead before the Niners began to rally. Charlotte cut the deficit to 24-23, but a kill from Aaliyah Smith sealed the sweep for Rice.
UP NEXT
Rice will return home for their final home series of the season. On Friday they will host North Texas then wrap up on Sunday with Florida Atlantic. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
