ATHENS, Tenn. – The CIU women's volleyball team continued their Tennessee road trip Saturday as they took on the Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan. The Rams entered the contest after falling in a tight match to Bryan College on Friday night. CIU lost to TWU last September, and the Bulldogs would get the best of the Rams again Saturday, as TWU dispatched CIU 3-1.

How It Happened:
The Rams had a promising start to the match, jumping out to a 12-6 lead in the first set. CIU then dismantled the Bulldogs ending the set on a Mackenzie Sanchez service ace. Neither team was willing to yield in set two, and the Rams led 10-8 after an Abbey Kleist kill. Unfortunately for CIU, the Rams gave up the lead to the Bulldogs midway through the set, and TWU marched to a 25-21 set two victory. Tied at one set apiece, the Rams found themselves deadlocked at 19-19 in set three after multiple kills by Megan Lung and Alana Sanjuro. The Bulldogs eked out a slim lead, however, despite two kills from Camri Goodwin and TWU took the set 25-22. While the fourth set would prove to be the final game of the contest, CIU did not go out without a fight. The Rams started the set with four consecutive kills, two from Goodwin, one from Lung and one from freshman Milijana Zmuric. CIU extended its advantage to 10-3 following consecutive service aces from Lung. Despite a formidable attack from the Rams, the Bulldogs crept back into the set to knot the game at 23-23. Both teams refused to yield, producing long rallies in the waning moments of the set. CIU attempted to outlast the Bulldogs, but TWU bested the Rams 30-28.

Game Notes:

• Sophomore Megan Lung was valuable as always to the Rams' cause contributing 15 kills and 5 aces while only recording 4 attack errors.
• Freshmen continue to step up for CIU this season as Alana Sanjuro notched 16 kills for the Rams.
• Sophomore setter Mackenzie Sanchez had her first 40-assist match of the season while also picking up 21 digs.
• Kamelia De Jesus adds to her promising freshman campaign with 25 digs and 19 receptions.

What Coach Haver is saying:
"Lots of very long rallies against a strong TWU team with outstanding blocking. We came out strong this morning after a tough match last night.  We fixed the mental errors we were having in our last match. We have a young team, so I am happy with the growth we are exhibiting.  This was our first big trip of the season, and today we showed composure and discipline in clutch moments. Looking forward to seeing continued growth this week."

Up Next:
CIU returns home Thursday, October 8th, to host crosstown rival Columbia College at 6:30 PM.