Saint Louis Defeats Rhode Island to Secure Most a10 Wins Since 2009

Saint Louis overcame a deficit of two sets to secure a 3-2 victory against Rhode Island on Thursday night at Keaney Gymnasium.

The victory brought the Billikens’ record to 17-11 overall and 12-5 in Atlantic 10 play. That conference mark represents the program’s highest total of league wins in a single season since 2009.

Rhode Island controlled the early momentum by taking the opening two sets 25-20 and 25-21. The Rams established an early 6-0 lead in the first set and later closed out the second frame on a 9-2 run.

Saint Louis reversed the match trajectory by dominating the third set 25-13 behind a 6-0 opening run and 11 total service aces. The Billikens hit .318 in the third frame to decisively shift the match momentum.

The visitors then claimed the fourth set 25-19. A late 5-0 run turned a 15-14 deficit into a 19-15 advantage before a block from Kayla Jansen and Anna Boatner forced a decisive fifth set.

Saint Louis secured the match by taking the fifth set 15-10. A 4-0 run down the stretch, featuring back-to-back kills from Tamia Maddox and a service ace from Ellie Rink, pushed the score to match point at 14-8 before the Billikens completed the reverse sweep.

Pacing the Billikens with 17 kills and a .341 hitting percentage, Ellie Rink also contributed 10 digs and three service aces to achieve a double-double. Tea Kalajdzic recorded 12 kills, four service aces, and five blocks.

Anna Boatner finished with 10 kills on a .333 hitting percentage and added eight blocks. Kayla Jansen led the team at the net with nine blocks, including four solo stops, alongside four kills.

Jetta Brenning recorded a double-double with 38 assists and 17 digs. Tamia Maddox contributed nine kills, 11 digs, and four service aces, while Lara Zigic tallied 14 digs and three service aces.

As a team, Saint Louis recorded 17 blocks to tie its season high. The squad’s 14 service aces also marked a season high.

Saint Louis wraps up the regular season on Friday at 11 a.m. CT.