ATHENS, Tenn. - CIU volleyball hit the road for a trip westward on Friday as they played their first match of the weekend against Tennesee Wesleyan (TWU). CIU would easily defeat the Bulldogs (3-21, 1-14 AAC) by a score of 3 sets to 0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-9) as the Rams won their 8th straight match. The Rams also picked up their 22nd win on the season, which is the most wins in a season in program history. The Rams are now 22-6 overall and 12-1 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. 

The Rams were never threatened by the Bulldogs as CIU's defense held the TWU attack in check. The Rams had an impressive 11 solo blocks and 50 digs, holding the Bulldogs to -.065 hitting percentage. Abbey Kleist anchored the defensive for the Rams as she recorded a career-high five solo blocks while Karla Rodriguez led the Rams with 16 digs. Offensively Kamelia De Jesus had 21 assists and three service aces. Kira Rymer led the Rams kills with nine as she was as consistent as always, recording a .423 hitting percentage. 

What Coach Amber Haver is saying: 
"This is always a rough trip. A lot of time on a bus after a tough week of classes and midterms. It requires a lot of discipline to get on the court on a Friday night after being on the road all day. These ladies did a great job producing tonight.  TWU is a hard atmosphere to play in. The girls fought through some adversity  and got the job done. Even enjoyed an error-free 15 point serving run from second-year, Kamelia DeJesus. That isn't easy to do. Proud of the growth I saw tonight."

Up Next:
The Rams play a critical conference match as they collide with second place Bryan College (Tenn.), who is the only other team besides CIU with only one conference loss. The Rams take on the Lions on Saturday at 1 PM in Dayton.