KINGSTON, R.I.- The La Salle volleyball team dropped a narrow 3-0 (24-26, 28-30, 19-25) match to Rhode Island on Friday night at Keaney Gym. Sophomore Bryanna Davis led the Explorers with 12 kills on the night.
 
Freshman Madison Kuch exploded out of the gates with five kills in the first frame but it wasn't enough as the Rams were able to grab a narrow 26-24 set win. Kuch recorded the five kills on just eight swings for a .500 hitting percentage.
 
The Rams appeared to be in control of the first frame, up five at 19-14 late in the set. However, La Salle went on a 7-2 run fueled by kills from Kuch, freshman Taylor Hite, and junior Ashley Felton helped La Salle tie things up at 21-21. The two teams remained tight as they tied at 22, 23, and 24 before the hosts were able to grab two straight points to take the first frame.
 
Felton helped lead the attack behind Kuch as she recorded three kills on just seven swings in the frame. La Salle also recorded four team blocks in the set led by four block assists from Felton.  
 
The second set was as tight as the first frame as like the first it required extra points to separate the two teams. This time the Explorers were in control late in the set as they were up 24-20 but the Rams battled back with four straight points to tie things up at 24-24. La Salle had six set points throughout the set but weren't able to close out the frame. Back-to-back kills from Franki Darnold helped Rhode Island close out the set 30-28.
 
Davis led the way with five kills in the second frame while Felton and sophomore Hannah McGary were close behind with three of their own. McGary hit .500 in the set with three kills on just six swings. Freshman Jensen Sharrits recorded five digs in the set.
 
Rhode Island closed out the match thanks to a 25-19 set three win. The Rams jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in the set. The Rams hit .258 in the set on their way to the win. Davis again led the team with three kills in the set.
 
Hite recorded 29 assists in the match to go with two kills. Felton hit a team-high .222 on the night. Kuch led all players with four service aces on the evening.
 
La Salle returns to action tomorrow as they travel to Fordham with first serve scheduled for 7 p.m.