University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
4-4,0-0Big East
University of Rhode Island
1-6,0-0Atlantic 10
Huskies Win 5 Set Thriller Over Rhode Island
9/8/2023 7:17:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The University of Connecticut women's volleyball team won a five set thriller over the Rhode Island Rams to remain undefeated in the Yale Invitational. The Huskies were led by Emma Werkmeister and Taylor Pannell who combined for 29 total kills.
In a back and forth first set that featured multiple lead changes, and scoring runs by both teams, URI found a way to come out on top 25-23. Emma Werkmeister finished the set with six kills to lead the Huskies. Although UConn finished the set with 14 kills, URI was able to capitalize off UConn errors include five service errors by the Huskies to take the first set.
It did not take long for UConn to bounce back as the Huskies jumped out to an early 6-1 lead in set 2. URI would fight back to eventually tie the game midway through the set and continue to push the Huskies. UConn adjusted well in set two and limited their mistakes helping them close out the set and tie the match at one. Following the set, Emma Werkmeister, Audrey Rome and Taylor Pannel combined for 18 total kills.
The third set mirrored the trends from the first set. Rhode Island jumped out to an early lead. The Huskies battled back but the Rams were too much for the Huskies to overcome in the set. The closest UConn once again fell behind due to self-inflicted errors, and the Rams capitalized and built momentum from those errors. Through three sets, UConn had 18 attack errors, and 12 service errors. Taylor Pannell and Emma Werkmeister continue to fight and lead the Huskies, both with double digit kills through three sets.
The Huskies would once again bounce back in the fourth set dominating Rhode Island and forcing a fifth set following a 25-16 victory. The Huskies relied heavily on Emma Werkmeister and Taylor Pannell to propel them to victory. The Huskies defense also stepped up in the fourth set, keeping plays alive as well as a few timely blocks helped them overcome the Rams powerful attack. In the fifth set UConn jumped out to an early lead and did not look back. Rhode Island tried to cut into the UConn lead but the Huskies attack of Emma Werkmeister and Taylor Pannell proved to be too much for the Rams as UConn took home the victory.
The Huskies will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, September 9, as they take on the Yale Bulldogs. The game can be streamed live on ESPN+.
