SPARTANBURG, S.C. — CIU women's volleyball delivered a commanding performance Tuesday night, sweeping Spartanburg Methodist College 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-10) in Appalachian Athletic Conference action at Bridges Arena.
The victory improved CIU to 16-12 overall and 12-4 in conference play as the Rams continued their push toward the postseason.
Mary Norwood powered the CIU offense with a match-high 17 kills on an impressive .500 hitting percentage, committing just one attack error on 32 attempts. Ashlee Gomes added 12 kills, while Katelynn Mundy contributed five kills without an error.
Setter Macy Brooks propped up the Rams' attack with 36 assists and added nine digs and two service aces. Eevy Bellar was stout at the net recording three solo blocks and three block assists, while Alexa Brownell contributed to the defensive effort with 11 digs.
After taking the opening set 25-18, CIU found its offensive rhythm in the second frame, hitting .355 with 15 kills to secure a 25-17 victory.
The Rams saved their most dominant performance for the final set, overwhelming SMC 25-10 to complete the sweep. CIU held the Pioneers to a negative hitting percentage in two of the three sets, including a -.182 mark in the third.
CIU finished with 40 kills and seven service aces while limiting SMC to just 22 kills and a -.044 hitting percentage for the match.
The Rams return home Friday, Oct. 23, to host Reinhardt (Ga.) University for Senior Night. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
