COLUMBIA, SC -The CIU Rams volleyball team started the 2020 season Tuesday night away from the friendly confines of the Moore Fitness Center but still in the city limits of Columbia. CIU took on the  Koalas of Columbia College to start the new season and downed their hometown rival three sets to none. The win keeps CIU undefeated all-time versus Columbia with a 6-0 record against the Koalas. The Rams move to 1-0 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference while Columbia falls to 0-3 in the AAC.

CIU would dominate the first set behind the veteran leadership of Megan Lung and setter Mackenzie Sanchez. Lung a who is coming off an AAC Freshman of the Year campaign in 2019, started her sophomore season off helping the Rams take a commanding 25-7 set one win. However, the Koalas would bounce back in set two and force the Rams into a deep deficit during the set. Once again, the Rams would turn to junior setter Mackenzie Sanchez who navigated them back into the set and overtook Columbia for a 25-21 set win. The match's third set proved how talented CIU volleyball is as the Rams dismantled the outmatched Koalas. Freshman setter Kamelia De Jesus had a solid outing, consistently setting up her hitters while fellow newcomer, Shaniece Steer, was valuable attacking and holding the Koalas at bay. The Rams would go on to win the set 25-16 and the set 3-0.

What Coach Haver is saying:
"Glad to finally start our third season. Proud of the energy we brought to the court after a hiatus. We are so grateful to be playing when so many others are not. 2020 has reminded us that this sport is a gift. We truly enjoyed being back in competition tonight and are looking forward to the rest of the season."

Up Next
The Rams play their home opener Thursday, September 24th, against Truett McConnell University at 6:30 PM.