Hope upsets Novans

PROVIDENCE — The Woonsocket girls volleyball team started well Thursday afternoon against Hope, but the Blue Wave dominated the final three games to secure a 14-25, 25-17, 25-11, 26-24 Division III upset win.

“We need to find our core of girls who are going to serve consistently and keep the ball in play,” Woonsocket coach Wendy Mooney said.

Mooney and the Villa Novans (7-3 Division III-North) have a few days to fix Thursday’s mistakes because they don’t play again until Tuesday, when they travel to Pawtucket to face improving Shea.

Skippers sweep Clippers

NORTH KINGSTOWN — After struggling in the opening game, the Cumberland girls volleyball team played some of its best volleyball of the season in a 25-10, 25-23, 26-24 defeat to undefeated North Kingstown Thursday night.

“We played well,” Cumberland coach Ruth Plante said. “I changed some things to see what would happen and it worked for us. We serve-received better and they had to earn their points because we played good defense.”

Cumberland (5-8 Division INorth) received seven ills, seven digs, an ace and a kill from senior outside hitter Stephanie Erickson, while Emily Bennett added five kills, six digs and two aces. Setter Laurel Houle chipped in with 18 assists.

The Clippers visit Ponaganset Monday night.