Columbia, SC - CIU Volleyball would look to bounce back Saturday after a heartbreaking loss to Bryan College, Friday night. The Rams opponent would also hail from Tennessee and would come in the form of Tennessee Wesleyan University. The Rams lost their only matchup to TWU last season in Tennessee. The Bulldogs came into the match 2-5 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference, sitting at 6th place in the North Division. The Rams would be unable to avenge last seasons loss and fall 3 sets to none.

How it Happened

The first set would appear to start in the Rams favor as they would take a 2-0 lead on consecutive Megan Lung kills. Despite a good start, CIU would find themselves down 10-4 after a series of errors. Aniya Marshall would help keep the Rams in the game with two kills but CIU would still trail. The Bulldog's attack would stay consistent enough to win the set 25-16.

Lily Tang would play well offensively in the second set pacing the Rams with a strong attack. Behind Tang and Lung, the Rams would only trail by two nearing the completion of the set. A Gabriela Vega kill would keep the Rams within striking distance 20-18, but attacking errors would allow the Bulldogs to win the game 25-20. 

CIU would seemingly have the edge in the third set leading 17-16 after a De'Asija Harden kill. The duo of Mackenzie Sanchez and Lily Tang would try to keep the Rams in front but the Bulldogs would inch forward. The Rams would only score once more in the set off a Tang kill and TWU would win 25-18.

Box Score Highlights

• Lily Tang continues to be a key piece for the Rams as she posted 8 kills and 3 digs. 

• Freshman Meg Lung led the team in both kills (11), aces (2), and blocks (2).

Next Up

CIU will go up against Allen University on Tuesday, October 1st.