KANSAS CITY - CIU volleyball is headed back to the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship Opening Round, drawing a road matchup with No. 9 Cumberlands (Ky.). The appearance marks the Rams' fifth consecutive trip to the NAIA postseason and their third road assignment in that span. CIU's national tournament history includes a trip to the final site in Sioux City, Iowa, in 2023, while last season ended with an Opening Round setback on the road at Marian University (Ind.).

The Rams enter this year's postseason at 24-6 and riding the momentum of their fourth straight Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament Championship. 

Cumberlands stands as the Rams' toughest test yet, entering the match with an undefeated 34-0 record after a dominant campaign through the Mid-South Conference. First serve is set for Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. in Williamsburg, Ky. The match will stream live on the Urban Edge Network, and admission for fans attending in person is free.