POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - It has been quite the season for Columbia International University's women's volleyball team. Still, everything that has happened so far this year pales in comparison to the Ram's achievement Saturday night. CIU claimed their first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I Women's Volleyball National Championship, defeating Mid-America University (Okla.) in straight sets, 3-0 (25-23, 26-24, 25-20). Prior to the Ram's win over Mid-America, CIU took down Judson University (Ill.) 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-13) in the national semifinal. 

The win caps off an incredible season as the Rams finish the year at 34-9 in just their fourth season competing at the collegiate level. Coach Amber Haver's teams have increased their win total in each of those four seasons, but their most notable win increase has come in 2021 as CIU expanded their win total by 13 victories. 

The Rams championship win against Mid-America was remarkable in itself as CIU trailed in the latter stages of all three sets but would come back to find a way to win each time. CIU turned as they had all tournament to Kira Rymer, as the sophomore was efficient with a .364 hitting percentage and 11 kills. Setter Kamelia De Jesus did not disappoint either, as she led the Rams with 33 assists while adding 11 digs. However, the Rams championship run would not have happened without Fabianne Besosa, who stepped in at the libero position after Karla Rodriguez went down with an injury. Besosa notched 18 digs in the championship match as she helped hold the Mid-America attack to just a .115 hitting percentage.

The Rams' run to the championship was nothing short of dominant as CIU only lost one set the entire tournament and swept four of the five teams that they faced. 

Rymer and De Jesus each received accolades as both players were labeled NCCAA First Team All-Americans. On top of her All-American recognition, De Jesus was chosen as the Tournament's Most Valuable Player. 

Speaking on her team's journey De Jesus commented, "Glad to have all the sacrifice and hard work pay off. This team is a family. I'm so thankful to be a part of it and I am happy to end this special season with a win and a National Championship."

Coach Amber Haver was rewarded for leading her team to unprecedented success as the fourth-year coach was named the NCCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Coach of the Year. 

Haver spoke on the team's road to the national championship saying, "Couldn't be prouder of this group. When I recruited each of them, I told them, the plan was to win a National Championship before they graduated. I am glad they trusted me and trusted the process. The hard work and discipline paid off tonight."

She continued by saying, "Most teams don't get to finish the season with a win. Really special to sweep in a National Championship final in just our fourth season. Especially proud of this team for coming together to finish as a family and give all the honor and glory to Jesus. Special thanks to the NCCAA and College of the Ozarks for putting on such an excellent tournament."

The national championship is CIU athletics second in just seven months as CIU baseball won their first-ever NCCAA National Championship back in May of 2021.