Columbia International University Athletics

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. - CIU women's volleyball had a quick turnaround from their Thursday evening match as they played two matches at the North Greenville Invitational Tournament on Friday. The tournament consists of five NCAA DII teams and the Rams as the only NAIA squad. CIU would make quick work of both their opponents on Friday as they defeated fellow NCCAA member and NCAA DII opponent Southern Wesleyan (S.C.) 3-1 in the first match of the day. The Rams would then assert their dominance over former Appalachian Athletic Conference program UVA-Wise sweeping the Cavs 3-0.

MATCH ONE: CIU 3 SWU 1 (25-11, 25-22, 24-26, 25-11): CIU was fairly dominant throughout their first match of the day, taking set one 25-11. The next two sets would be more competitive, but the Rams would bookend their 3-1 match win with another 25-11 set win. The Rams had three players in double-digit kills, Kira Rymer led the way with 18 (.567) as Cintia Lorena had 13 (.476), and Alana Sanjurjo recorded ten kills (.364) to go along with 15 digs and four aces. Mardi Scutchings put up four block assists and nine kills, while Kamelia De Jesus was solid with 31 assists from the setter position. As a team, CIU displayed its firepower with 62 total kills and 56 assists. 

MATCH TWO: CIU 3 UVA-Wise 0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-9): CIU faced little resistance from a struggling Cavs program that has been searching for wins the past few seasons. The Rams overwhelmed the Cavs in talent, athleticism, and size as CIU won each set by double-digits on their way to a 3-0 sweep. Kira Rymer led CIU with ten kills as Kamelia De Jesus racked up 26 assists. Carla Cauchi and Alana Sanjurjo combined for seven service aces as Cauchi tallied three and Sanjurjo added four. The Rams had 16 block assists, with Mardi Scutchings heading up the defensive effort with five block assists and one solo block. 

What Coach Amber Haver is saying: 

"I am glad to see us getting back in the system, playing our tempo. Coach Mosely at NGU puts on a great tournament with great competition. I am grateful we have a chance to play this weekend and happy to come away from day one, 2-0". 

Up Next: 

The Rams continue to play at the NGU Invitational Tournament as they take on Fayetteville State (N.C.) at 10 AM and Johnson C. Smith (N.C.) and 4 PM.