VCU Invitational
Score: Virginia 3, VCU 2 (15-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-19, 15-11)
Location: Richmond, Va. (Siegel Center)
Records: VCU 4-2, Virginia 4-2
 
The short story: Junior outside hitter Qairo Bentley racked up 14 kills and 20 digs for VCU, but the Rams couldn't prevent Virginia from slipping away in five sets Friday night at the Siegel Center.
 
OPENING VOLLEY

• Bentley was one of three Rams to record double-digit kills Friday. Sophomore middle blocker Jasmine Knight provided 12 kills, while hitting .346 on 26 swings. She also provided three blocks
• Freshman outside hitter Kialah Jefferson was critical for VCU defensively and registered a season-high 24 digs. She added 11 kills and a pair of aces on the day
• Freshman libero Crew Hoffmeier anchored VCU's back row with 20 digs
• Grace Turner led the Cavaliers with 19 kills and eight digs

THE DIFFERENCE

• VCU hit .155 in the match. The Rams surrendered a 2-1 lead in the match after hitting a combined -.050 in the final two sets
• The Rams took an 8-7 lead in the fifth set, but a pair of blocks by Alana Walker sparked an 8-3 run by the Cavaliers to close the match
• VCU also had a chance to capture the win in the fourth, but watched a 15-all tie turn into a 25-19 loss when three kills by Grace Turner keyed a 10-4 blitz down the stretch 

NOTABLE

• The Rams recorded 93 digs in the match. Three players were credited with 20 or more for VCU
• VCU's 93 digs are its most since it recorded 93 on Nov. 16, 2012 against Butler

NEXT UP
VCU will host fourth-ranked Ohio State at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Siegel Center.