MARIETTA, Ga. - CIU volleyball had a near-perfect Saturday afternoon on the final day of the Running Eagles Classic. The Rams would not lose a set as they defeated Tennessee Southern University and host school (RV) Life University (Ga.). With the wins, the Rams move to 5-4 on the season and get their first win of the year against a team who received votes in an NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll.
MATCH ONE: CIU 3 TSU 0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-14): The Rams took care of business in all three sets as CIU marched through the FireHawks.
Kira Rymer recorded 13 kills with a .500 hitting percentage to lead the Rams. Mardi Scutching stuffed the stat sheet for CIU with seven kills, three blocks, and six digs.
Melissa Campos Sotos shined as the setter led CIU with 17 assists and eight digs.
Kelcey Mangum anchored down the Ram's defense with 14 digs.
MATCH TWO: CIU 3 LU 0 (28-26, 25-17, 25-14): The Rams made up for the loss at the hands of Life in 2021 by sweeping the Running Eagles on Saturday.
Mardi Scutchings exploded for CIU in the match as the senior had 18 kills and two blocks.
Hadassah Davis also stood tall at the net, tallying four blocks.
Kira Rymer picked up 15 kills to add to another stellar day, while veteran setter Kamelia De Jesu led the Rams in assists with 15.
Alana Sanjurjo served solidly, as the Puerto Rican native recorded three aces.
What Coach Amber is saying: "Being the only undefeated team at this tournament was paramount for us. Two sweeps today, with one of the teams that had received more votes than we did, was something we had our sights set on. Every athlete did their job. Our upperclassmen lead extremely well; our freshmen held their own, and all credit to our bench- who kept the energy at a 10 all weekend. Proud of this team and our unique culture. It is really early still. Excited to see what's in store this season."
Up Next: The Rams will head to Nebraska on Friday, Sept. 2, to take part in the GoSarpy.com Classic hosted by Bellevue University (Neb.).
