BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Rice volleyball team celebrated a strong moment this weekend, sweeping UAB 3-0 at Bartow Arena. This marks their first conference win of the season, pushing their record to 6-8 overall and 2-1 in the American Athletic Conference.
Rice came ready to play, out-hitting UAB significantly, with a .261 attacking percentage compared to UAB’s .067. Taylor Preston was a standout, leading the Owls with 12 kills. She was supported by Kellen Dorotik and Arissa Smith, who each contributed nine kills. Overall, Rice had a solid performance with 47 kills total.
Kaia Mateo also shone in this match, achieving her second double-double of the season. She had 32 assists and 14 digs, along with three blocks, tying her with Arissa Smith for the team-high.
In the first set, Rice quickly established control, winning 25-14. They finished strong, ending the set on a 7-0 run, which included a service ace from Darby Harris. Rice hit .235 in this set while UAB struggled with a -.025 hitting percentage.
The second set was more of a battle; teams traded points before Rice pulled ahead to win 25-21. Arissa Smith shined here, leading with five kills.
The third set saw Rice closing out the match decisively, winning 25-17. They recorded a .316 hitting percentage, showcasing their dominance in the final moments.
Looking ahead, Rice will take on Memphis this Sunday, with the match set to stream on ESPN+.
Recent trends indicate that team dynamics can play a crucial role in volleyball performance. A study from Volleyball USA suggests that teams with higher morale and teamwork often achieve better results, aligning with Rice’s strong showing in this match. Keep an eye on how the team builds on this momentum against Memphis and beyond.
For more on women’s volleyball statistics and trends, visit the NCAA’s official site here.
