KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The CIU women's volleyball team leaped over yet another hurdle in their historic season Friday afternoon as they defeated No. 3 seeded, Reinhardt University (Ga.) 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-21) in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals. The win was important for several reasons, primarily because it secured the Rams a spot in the NAIA National Tournament but also because Reinhardt had knocked CIU out of the AAC Tournament last season.

The victory was by no means easy as Reinhardt put up a fight all three sets, but CIU's attack overwhelmed the Eagles as the Rams had three players with double-digit kills. Alana Sanjurjo led the way for CIU with 15 kills and ten digs, while Kira Rymer notched ten kills and a .450 hitting percentage. AAC Freshman of the Year Cintia Lorena had 13 kills for CIU, while setter Kamelia De Jesus recorded 37 assists and 12 digs.  CIU defensive was stifling as Ingrid Ferrari had postseason record ten total blocks as CIU had 20 block assists as a team and two solo blocks. 

CIU will take on No. 1 seeded Bryan College (Tenn.) this afternoon at 4:30 PM in the AAC Tournament Championship.