COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU women's volleyball returned to the win column Friday night, dispatching Bluefield University in straight sets in Appalachian Athletic Conference action inside the Moore Fitness Center.
Coming off a heartbreaking five-set loss to Truett McConnell earlier in the week, the Rams responded with a 25-9, 25-16, 28-26 victory to improve to 12-11 overall and 8-3 in AAC play.
CIU wasted little time establishing control, hitting .348 in the opening frame with nine kills and just one attack error while limiting Bluefield to a negative hitting percentage. The Rams maintained their advantage in the second, hitting .286 to take a commanding two-set lead.
The third set proved to be a much different challenge as Bluefield pushed CIU to the brink. The frame featured 16 ties and eight lead changes, but the Rams held their composure in the closing stages to escape with a 28-26 win and complete the sweep.
Zcearia James provided the offensive spark for CIU, finishing with a match-high 11 kills and three service aces. Savannah Kelly delivered an efficient performance with six kills on 11 attempts without an error, hitting .545 while adding two solo blocks and three block assists. Ashlee Gomes also contributed six kills while hitting .313 and collecting 11 digs.
Macy Brooks finished with 26 assists and eight digs, while Alexa Brownell led the Rams defensively with 12 digs and two service aces. CIU totaled six solo blocks and 14 block assists, limiting Bluefield to a .054 hitting percentage.
The Rams face a quick turnaround Saturday, Oct. 10, when they welcome AAC-leading Pikeville University to the Moore Fitness Center for an 11 a.m. ET showdown.
