Providence, RI (Oct. 4, 2025) — The UMass Boston volleyball team opened Little East Conference (LEC) play on a high note, defeating Rhode Island College 3-1 on the road Saturday afternoon. 

In a thrilling first set that featured 23 ties and 8 lead changes, the Beacons edged out the Anchorwomen 30-28 thanks to back-to-back kills from Paige Coulson and Lauren Westlund. 

UMass Boston carried that momentum into the second set with a 25-19 win, but Rhode Island College responded with a 25-19 win of their own in the third. The Beacons closed the match strong, dominating the fourth set 25-14 to secure the 3-1 victory. 

Audrey Cofield had a career day, shattering her previous personal best of 41 assists with 53. She also contributed three kills and four service aces to lead the Beacons' all-around effort. 

Coulson paced the offense with 22 kills—double the total of RIC's leader Andrayah Williams, who tallied 11. 

Defensively, the Beacons were locked in. Mary Matthews led the team with 23 digs, while Coulson and Mary Denny added 16 each. UMass Boston outdug Rhode Island College 81-76 and had the edge in service aces, 10-5. 

Up Next 

The Beacons return home to continue LEC play on Wednesday, October 8, when they host the University of Southern Maine Huskies at the Clark Athletic Center. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. Admission is free, and the match will also serve as the Beacons Adaptive Sports Match.