WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — CIU women's volleyball pushed undefeated No. 10 Cumberlands to the brink in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship Opening Round on Saturday, falling 3–1 but delivering one of the most dramatic sets in tournament history.

The Rams (24–7) stunned the home crowd by claiming the opening set 25–20, becoming the only team this season to win a set on the Patriots' home floor. The second set became a national-record marathon, with CIU falling 38–36 — the highest-scoring set ever recorded in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship. It surpasses a 33–31 set the Rams played in the 2023 national tournament.

Four Rams posted at least seven kills, led by Mary Norwood and Zcearia James, who each finished with 12. Katelynn Mundy added nine kills, while Lydia Gustafson recorded eight. CIU's defensive resilience showed throughout the night, bolstered by Kelcey Mangum's 25 digs and 77 team digs overall.

CIU's setters combined for 44 assists, with Maria Ferreira distributing 28 and Macy Brooks adding 16 to keep the offense moving throughout the extended rallies. The Rams also collected 14 block assists across the front line.

Despite CIU's early momentum, Cumberlands responded by taking the final two sets 25–15 and 25–17 to advance.

Head coach Katie Weiss praised her team's effort after the match. "We came out strong and played tough for two sets and lost some traction and steam. We didn't have what we needed to finish the match," Weiss said. "I see incredible things in the team and I'm thrilled for the future of CIU volleyball. We've got more ahead of us at NCCAA and we will make the most of it!"

CIU now awaits seeding for the NCCAA National Tournament, held Dec. 3–6 in Point Lookout, Mo