Cumberland girls volleyball carried its September momentum into October, beating Coventry in straight sets Thursday night to improve to 8–3. The Clippers have now won six consecutive matches, with their last three victories coming by sweep.
Following Monday’s win over South Kingstown, this was another result worth taking notice of. Coventry entered the match at 6–2, riding a six-match winning streak of its own. That stretch included victories over Prout, Portsmouth, East Greenwich and South Kingstown, along with a five-set win over La Salle Academy. Cumberland handed the Oakers their first loss since September 3.
Darryl Ashilaka supplied 23 kills and four digs, with Ashley Asermely adding six kills, according to the Providence Journal’s roundup carried by AOL. Those numbers put names behind the sweep: Cumberland had a hitter repeatedly finishing possessions and another attacking option helping carry the load.
The set scores were 25–23, 25–18 and 28–26. Coventry stayed within two points in both the opener and the extended third set. A sweep can sound comfortable; these margins tell a more demanding story. Cumberland still had to finish two tight sets to get out of the gym without giving the Oakers a way back into the match.
Coventry’s resistance had substance. Mia Saillant contributed 23 assists and 19 digs, while Kelsey Knutton recorded eight kills and Payton Baris added six kills and 14 digs. The Clippers’ ability to close against that defensive effort gives their six-match run another useful measure as the schedule gets tougher.
The shared opponents give Thursday’s result some perspective. Both teams had been finding ways to win against much of the same competition. Taking all three sets on Coventry’s home court gives Cumberland another solid Division I victory as the October schedule begins.
The Clippers were 2–3 after their September 15 loss to North Kingstown. Six wins later, they have put themselves in a better position heading into the next stretch. They also remain unbeaten on the road at 4–0.
Cumberland returns home to face Westerly on Tuesday, October 6, then travels to Barrington on Thursday, October 8. Both matches are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The Clippers swept Barrington in their first meeting, but the rematch brings another opportunity to keep building before Chariho visits October 13.
Individual statistics and set scores: Providence Journal reporting via AOL. Results and upcoming schedule: Cumberland and Coventry. Schedule subject to change.