Columbia, S.C- 

After a thrilling final set to defeat Columbia College last night to grab a 3-0 sweep of the Koalas, the Rams got up bright and early to the Moore Fitness Center for a doubleheader with Morris College and Johnson and Wales University. When the dust settled after both games the Rams would walk away victorious with three consecutive games (3-0 vs Morris, 3-1 vs JWU) to move to 9-9 on the season. Here are the results from both games as followed:

CIU vs Morris

First Set Highlights
The Rams started the game off with five straight points in the first thanks to an ace from Rachael Branham and kills from De'Asjia Harden and Tyliahia Williams. The Rams dominated this set as the Hornets would only muster six points as the Rams took the first set 25 to 6

Second Set Highlights
Bruna Barrozo open up up the second set for CIU with four unanswered points. Andrea Salas checked in and joined in on the run with a service ace as Mackenzie Sanchez and Hornet errors clinched the Rams second set with a final score of 25 to 11.

Third Set Highlights 
Though the Hornets opened the third set with two straight points, the Rams remained calm and rallied off seven points and never looked backed, clinching the third set and first win of the day with a score of 25-8. This is the Rams second victory over the Hornets this season as they defeated them earlier in the season for their first program win. Morris remains winless at 0-9.


CIU vs Johnson and Wales

First Set Highlights
After the Hornets and Wildcats competed (JWU won 3-0), the Wildcats stayed on the court for a matchup against the Rams. It was a back and forth battle in the opening set as both teams traded leads. The Rams were led by CJ Hinson with three kills. However, the Wildcats took a lead late late in the set and it was too late for the Rams as Johnson and Wales grabbed the first set, 25-21.

Second Set Highlights
After losing a set for the first time since a win at Brenau, the Rams would come out swinging as they took a 12-3 lead from Williams, including a key block from Aniya Marshall. Despite a five point run from the Wildcats, the Rams held on to win the second set 25-20 to tie the sets at one apiece.

Third Set Highlights
In a pivotal third set with the Rams down early 5-3, Salas checked in and once again with the help of her fellow teammates rallied four straight to take the lead. Harden would help the Rams get an edge over the Wildcats to take the third set 25-20.

Fourth Set Highlights
Tied at two, the Rams rallied six points. After that the Rams never let go of the lead thanks to plays from Salas, Harden, Williams, and Hinson. Despite small rallies from the Wildcats, the Rams were able to seal the decisive fourth set 25-21, going undefeated in today's doubleheader in their one and only matchup between the Wildcats as they drop to 10-7 on the season.


Next Game: The Rams hop back into conference play with a trip downtown to take on the Yellow Jackets of Allen University next Tuesday at 6:30 PM.