Providence, R.I.--Junior libero Nicole Normandin (Blackstone, Mass.) recorded six aces as the Rhode Island College women's volleyball team defeated VTSU Castleton, 3-1, in the Little East opener for both clubs at The Murray Center on Saturday morning.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 3, VTSU Castleton 1
Rhode Island College (4-4, 1-0 LEC)
VTSU Castleton (4-5, 0-1 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The two teams were evenly matched in the first set, with neither team taking a lead larger than three over the frame. Despite seven kills from freshman outside hitter Sarina Marines (Cranston, R.I.), the Spartans were able to take the set by two, 26-24.
 
• RIC played efficiently in the second frame, taking the lead and never looking back. The Anchorwomen won the set by six, 25-19, to tie the match, 1-1.
 
• The Anchorwomen found themselves trailing, 22-19, late in the third stanza. Kills by freshman setter Paula Pesoa (Johnston, R.I.) and junior middle blocker Megan Philbrick (Johnston, R.I.) allowed RIC to mount a comeback and edge the visitors, 25-23.
 
• RIC sprinted out to a 15-7 lead in the fourth set. The Spartans responded by going on a 9-2 run to tie the set, 21-21. VTSU was serving with a 24-22 advantage and a chance to force a decisive fifth set. A Spartan service error gave RIC an opening and the hosts rattled off four straight to pick up the victory. Marines was able to record her 15^th kill of the match to win the set, 26-24, for the Anchorwomen.
 
• Marines also recorded 19 digs for her sixth double-double of the year.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at Eastern Connecticut on Wednesday, Sept. 27 (6 p.m.).