Providence, R.I.--Junior setter Yuleisy Alvelo (San Juan, Puerto Rico) tallied 21 assists, five digs and three service aces as Rhode Island College fell vs. Westfield State in a five-set thriller, 3-2, in the final game of a tri-match played at The Murray Center on Saturday.
 
THE BASICS
Westfield State 3, Rhode Island College 2
Westfield State (1-5)
Rhode Island College (2-2)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Westfield State opened the match by winning, 25-20 and 25-18 in sets one and two, respectively.
 
• In the third frame, junior outside hitter classmates Sarina Marines (Cranston, R.I.) and Marina Colonis (Waterford, Conn.) each recorded two kills to close out the Owls and force a fourth stanza.
 
• In another deciding set, the Anchorwomen brought it down to the wire, but an attack error and a kill by Marines gave the hosts a 25-23 decision and knotted the sets up at two apiece heading into the deciding period.
 
• The Owls would lead, 8-3, when both teams switched sides for the final half of the set. RIC fought back, tying the game at nine, but two late attack errors from the hosts would seal the victory for Westfield State. It was the Owls first win of the season.
 
• Marines notched her fourth straight double-double with 12 kills and 14 digs.

• Senior middle hitter Sydney Pires (Rochester, Mass.) punched in a team-high 13 kills with four blocks.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Worcester State on Tuesday, Sept. 9 (6 p.m.).