VCU DUMPS NORTHEASTERN, 3-1; RAMS MOVE INTO SECOND IN CAA
10-24-09
Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – The t-shirts on the backs of the Virginia Commonwealth University Volleyball team said it all, “Finish!”

The Rams took that advice to heart and delivered an inspired performance on the way to a 3-1 (25-11, 25-17, 23-25, 25-16) trouncing of Northeastern Saturday night at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

A night after building a 2-0 lead on Hofstra, only to watch the Pride rally to tie the match, VCU came out in brand-new warm-up shirts with their new slogan on the back. On the front was a fierce Ram, busting through a brick wall.

For the second straight night, freshman Michala Kvapilova (Liberec, Czech Republic) led the way with 20 kills and a .500 hitting percentage. She committed just two hitting errors. The Rams hit .316 on the evening and did not trail in the game’s first two sets.

Junior Mariel Frey (Lititz, Pa.) added 12 kills and 12 digs for the Rams, while senior Ivana Rich (Cumberland, Va.) provided eight kills and five total blocks. VCU had 12 blocks overall, compared to four for the Huskies.

The Rams’ victory improves them to 17-8 overall and 6-2 in Colonial Athletic Association play. VCU also vaulted over George Mason and into a virtual tie with William & Mary for second place. Northeastern is 11-11 overall and 4-5 in league action. The Huskies have now slipped a full two games behind George Mason in the race for the fourth and final CAA Tournament spot.

Britney Brown paced Northeastern with 13 kills, but the Huskies hit just .105 on the night.  

VCU will step out of conference for its next match, when it hosts in-state foe Liberty at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.