COLUMBIA, S.C. -The CIU women's volleyball team had a quick turnaround from their win over Union (Ky.) on Friday as the Rams hosted a tri-match on Saturday. The tri-match was a blend of Appalachian Athletic Conference, and NCCAA play as CIU hosted conference foe and fellow NCCAA member Johnson (Tenn.) at 1 PM and reigning NCCAA DII national champion Bob Jones (S.C.) at 5 PM. CIU would take down Johnson 3-1 to stay unbeaten in AAC competition moving to 4-0 in the league, and then dispatched Bob Jones 3-0 to move to 12-5 overall.

MATCH ONE: CIU 3 JU 1 (25-15, 25-11, 23-25, 25-1: CIU would take care of business in the first two sets, but the Royals roared back for a tight third set win. The Rams would buckle down and show why they are at the top of the AAC standings in the fourth set, winning the match's final set by double digits. Alana Sanjurjo added to an already impressive start to her sophomore year with a double-double, recording 17 kills and 16 digs. Cintia Lorena was second on the team in kills with ten, while sophomore setter Kamelia De Jesus picked up 37 assists. Defensively Ingrid Ferrari had five total blocks while Karla Rodriguez added 17 digs. The Rams had four players with two or more aces as they totaled nine as a team. 

MATCH TWO: CIU 3 BJU 0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-10): Bob Jones was outmatched from the first serve as CIU's size and athleticism overwhelmed the Bruins. Kamelia De Jesus had 29 assists and 11 digs as Cintia Lorena lead the Rams with 11 kills. Sophomore Kira Rymer tallied nine digs of her own to go along with an incredible .818 hitting percentage and zero errors. Fabianne Besosa chipped in three aces for CIU as the Rams recorded six as a team.

What Coach Amber Haver is saying: It's been a fun weekend of volleyball. These young women are working hard, and it's showing. We appreciate everyone that came out to support us this weekend.

Up Next: The Ram's will continue conference play at home on Tuesday, September 21st, as they welcome the Bears of Truett McConnell to the Moore Fitness Center at 6:30 PM.