Owls Sweep Charlotte for eleventh Straight Win

HOUSTON – The Rice volleyball group kicked off November with a sweep over Charlotte on Sunday at Halton Arena.

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 eleventh consecutive victory this season. The Owls took sole possession of first place within the American Conference standings after South Florida fell to Wichita State.

Freshman Aaliyah Smith led Rice with 13 kills, whereas Kellen Dorotik recorded 11 and Taylor Preston added 10. Dorotik had a career-high .556 hitting share.

Kaia Mateo tallied her sixth double-double of the season with 45 assists and 10 digs. Arissa Smith completed with three blocks, and Darby Harris led the group 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 very own. Aaliyah Smith led the cost offensively with six kills within the first set, together with three straight for an 18-13 lead. Rice held the benefit the remainder of the best way, taking the opening body 25-18.
 
Second Set
The Niners slowed the Owls early earlier than Rice went on a 6-1 run to take management. Charlotte tried to reply, however Rice continued to roll, hitting .306 and holding the Niners to a .125 hitting share within the 25-16 win. The Owls closed the set on a 4-0 run.
 
Third Set
The remaining set began sturdy for the Owls, who jumped out to a 12-5 lead earlier than the Niners started to rally. Charlotte minimize the deficit to 24-23, however a kill from Aaliyah Smith sealed the sweep for Rice.

 

UP NEXT
Rice will return house for his or her remaining house collection of the season. On Friday they are going to host North Texas then wrap up on Sunday with Florida Atlantic. Both video games shall be streamed on ESPN+.