RIC athletics weekly recap: goodbye fall, hello winter!

Brody Mendonca

Sports Editor

Monday, Nov. 2 

Mens basketball @ University of Albany - L, 74-67 

The Anchormen opened their 2026-2027 season on the road against Division I University of Albany. RIC outscored Albany 44-32 in the second half but weren't able to close the early deficit, falling short despite a strong second-half effort. Fourth-year guard Troy Santos led RIC with 30 points and three steals, keeping the Anchormen in the game. Third-year guard Xavier Mendez put up 12 points in the loss. 

Wednesday, Nov. 4 

Mens soccer @ UMass Boston - L, 3-1 

The Anchormen's postseason run comes to an end in the Little East Championship Semifinal. The Beacons scored twice in the opening 13 minutes to take an early advantage, but second-year forward Moise Augustin scored a header in the 40th minute, with first-year midfielder Marco Hoxhlli assisting on the goal. However, UMass Boston converted a penalty kick early in the second half to ice the match. Fourth-year goalkeeper Elhadji Ndoye recorded two saves in his final collegiate appearance. 

Womens soccer @ No. 1 Eastern State University (Little East Women's Soccer Championship) - L, 3-0 

The Anchorwomen's run ends in the Little East Championship Semifinal. RIC helped the Warriors score most of the opening half before Eastern found the net with only 38 seconds left in the half. Eastern put up two additional goals in the final 10 minutes to lock in the victory. Fourth-year goalkeeper Nicole Nunes finished her final collegiate game with five saves. 

Saturday, Nov. 7 

Wrestling vs RIC Invitational - 4th of six teams, team score 73.5

Second-year Dom Sousa finished atop the Anchormen fray with a second-place finish at 125 lbs, going 3-1 with a pin, tech fall and a decision. Classmates Imanol Taveras and Jaden Tesher each placed third at 197 and 285 lbs., respectively.

Womens volleyball @ Vermont State University Castleton - L, 3-2 (22-25, 25-20, 16-25, 25-14, 18-20) 

The Anchorwomen's postseason ambitions conclude after a hard-fought five-set loss to Castleton. After forcing a deciding fifth set, RIC was not able to lock down the match despite holding a 14-12 advantage late in the frame. Fourth-year outside hitter Sarina Marines led the Anchorwomans with 17 kills, while fourth-year middle hitter Andrayah Williams put up nine kills and three blocks. Third-year libero Caroline Morrell was a brick wall and anchored the defense with 22 digs. The loss eliminates RIC from contention for the Little East playoff spot. 

Womens volleyball vs. St. Lawrence University - W, 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 15-13) 

RIC bounced back from its earlier defeat with a five-set victory over St. Lawrence to close out the season on a high note. The Anchorwomen came into the game with a chip on their shoulder and battled back and forth with the Saints, ending the game 15-13 in the fifth set. Fourth-year outside hitter Sarina Marines led the offense with 18 kills and 14 digs, while fourth-year setter Grace Luchka contributed 26 assists and six digs. Fourth- year middle hitter Andrayah Williams delivered the match-winning kill to finish strong. RIC finishes the season with a 13-13 overall record.