LAURINBURG, N.C. - CIU volleyball opened Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play on Wednesday, taking on winless St. Andrews University (N.C.) on the road. The afternoon was labeled a tri-match as the Rams would also take on NCAA Division II opponent Elizabeth City State (N.C.). The Rams had no trouble with either foe as they notched two wins to move to 9-6 on the year. 

MATCH ONE: CIU 3 SAU 0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-17): The Knights struggled against CIU in the first two sets before showing a glimmer of life in the third set. However, the talent disparity was too much for St. Andrews as the Rams won in straight sets. CIU did not get a chance to rack up big numbers offensively as the Rams front line stifled the Knights, holding St. Andrews to a .023 hitting percentage. Kira Rymer did reach double-digit kills for CIU, however, tallying 14. Melissa Campos Soto led CIU in assists with 14, while Kelcey Mangum recorded 15 digs, and Alana Sanjurjo had a team-high of 20. Lydia Gustafson and Katie Nichols stood tall for the Rams, each picking up two blocks. Solid serving was a key for CIU as they tallied 11 aces. 

MATCH TWO: CIU 3 Elizabeth City 1 (25-15, 25-22, 23-25, 25-1): Alana Sanjurjo was a crucial piece in the Rams' win as she recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 22 digs. Katie Nichols showed up in the second match as she reached double-digit kills with ten. Kamelia De Jesus was highly effective as the Rams setter with 36 assists and 14 digs. Kelcey Mangum championed the defensive effort with 24 digs as CIU added two wins to their season total by the end of the evening. 

What Coach Amber Haver is saying: "Nice to get started in conference play. Moving forward, I'd like to see us with less unforced errors. We came out a little flat this afternoon, but I'm confident that we will correct that on Saturday."

Up Next: CIU will host a tri-match in their home opener as they take on Point (Ga.) at 1 PM on Saturday, Sept. 10, and then go up against Keiser (Fla.) later in the day at 5 PM