MILLIGAN, Tenn. - After nearly a month of play in the 2023 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) regular season, CIU volleyball finally lost a conference set on Friday. However, it would have little consequence as the Rams (17-0, 8-0 AAC) rolled by Milligan (Tenn.) 3-1 (25-19, 18-25, 25-22, 25-22) to continue their best start in program history. The Buffaloes appeared to be a formidable opponent entering the match at 5-1 in AAC play. However, despite Milligan stealing set two, it was clear that CIU was still the team to beat in the AAC, as the Buffaloes were unable to match the talent or ability on CIU's side of the net.

Hanah Weiss' volume of kills impressed as she posted 15 to lead CIU, while Kira Rymer Attaway's accuracy shined as she hit .370 with 13 kills of her own. 

Gabriela Vega hit a blistering .570 with eight kills as her freshman teammate Gracen Norris chipped in nine kills to bolster the Rams' offense. 

CIU's defensive effort made the difference in the match as the Rams totaled 14 block assists and three solo blocks. Reigning AAC Defender of the Week Lydia Gustafson recorded five total blocks (four BA and one solo) on the evening. 

46 assists came by way of setter duo Kamelia De Jesus (26 assists) and Melissa Campos Soto (20 assists), while De Jesus put forth a double-double, adding ten digs.

Kelcey Mangum led the Rams in digs with 17 as Alana Sanjurjo supplied 13 digs to help stave off the Buffaloes' attack. 

What Coach Katie Weiss is saying: "Coming in and getting a win versus an established program like Milligan is always something to be proud of. This road trip is grueling, so we need to stay focused and lock in versus Pikeville tomorrow." 

Up next: CIU plays Pikeville (Ky.) for the first time in history on Saturday, Sept. 29, in Pikeville at 1:00 p.m. EST.