BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — CIU secured a 4-2 victory over Bluefield University on Saturday at the East River Complex, after a fast start to pick up its second Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) win of the season.

The Rams (3-2-1, 2-1-1 AAC) struck first in the fifth minute when Josue Pirela finished a pass from Ian Rau. After Bluefield equalized midway through the half, CIU responded with back-to-back goals. Ive Celic converted in the 38th minute on a setup from Eric Calderon and Nathan King, Owen Teos added his first collegiate goal minutes later off another Calderon assist to make it 3-1 at halftime.

Pirela extended the lead in the 55th minute with his second goal of the day, assisted by Victor Gonzalez. Bluefield pulled one back in the 62nd, but the Rams' defense, anchored by goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihalis, held firm the rest of the way. Diakomihalis finished with three saves in the win.

Pirela led the offense with four shots and two goals, while Calderon tallied two assists to pace the midfield.

The Rams return to action next week to face Reinhardt University only on Sept. 24 in Waleska, Ga.