Columbia International University Athletics

Columbia, S.C.

After taking care of business at home in the CIU Tri-Match this past weekend, the Rams traveled downtown to take on conference member Allen University as this marked the first time both programs competed against each other. After a home loss against Union they've rallied off four straight wins over Brenau, Columbia College, Morris, and Johnson & Wales to bring their record at .500 in both overall and AAC play. The Yellow Jackets of Allen dropped two straight against Milligan and Montreat and looked to get back in the win column.

1st Set Highlights
It was a back and forth battle to open the game as both teams traded or tied within the first ten points. CJ Hinson got Rams going early with back to back aces, while De'Asija Harden grabbed kills of her own. Lily Tang returned to the lineup after a preseason injury sidelined her and also grabbed an assist. The first set came down to the wire as Allen came back to tie the game at 23 before a kill from Harden and a block from Tyliahia Williams gave to the win to the Rams, 25-23

2nd Set Highlights
After a kill by Williams following an assist from Mackenzie Sanchez to break a 3-3 tie, the Rams never relieved the lead as CIU took the second set, 25-12. Another kill from Williams as well as another from Harden sealed the deal. The trio of Harden, Rachael Branham, and CJ Hinson helped the Rams as well as Andrea Salas coming off the bench.

3rd Set Highlights
Allen came out in the third set swinging as both teams made this a back and forth game as both teams combined for tying the game 10 times. With the Rams up 21-20, plays from Harden, Hinson, and a set winning block from Williams ended the set and match as the Rams won 25-20.

With the 3-0 victory CIU moves to 10-9, 3-2 in AAC play, and moved their win streak to five. For Allen, the Yellow Jackets drop to 7-11, 2-6 in AAC play.

Harden led the team in kills with 15. Sanchez led with 29 assists and Williams with three blocks.

The Rams next match is tonight with a road trip at St. Andrews.We will post an story following the results of that contest.