SPARTANBURG, S.C. — (RV) CIU women's volleyball picked up its second win of the season Tuesday afternoon, defeating the University of Northwestern Ohio in four sets in a neutral-site matchup at Spartanburg Methodist College.
The Rams (2-3) came out firing, dominating the opening set 25-11 behind one of their most efficient offensive performances of the young season. CIU put down 13 kills with just one attack error in the frame, hitting .387 to take an early advantage.
Northwestern Ohio responded in the second, overcoming a back-and-forth frame that featured 10 ties and six lead changes to take the set 25-21 and even the match.
From there, the match turned into a thriller.
The third set featured 13 ties and six lead changes as neither side could create separation. The Rams eventually prevailed 31-29 to regain control of the match. The fourth proved just as competitive, featuring another 13 ties and 10 lead changes before CIU finished off the victory with a 26-24 win. In all, the match featured 36 ties and 22 lead changes.
Katelynn Mundy led a balanced CIU attack with 13 kills while hitting .310 and adding four block assists. Mary Norwood and Zcearia James followed with 12 kills apiece, with James committing just two errors on 29 attacks to hit .345. Savannah Kelly continued her strong start in the middle, finishing with nine kills on 17 attempts for a team-best .353 hitting percentage while adding four block assists.
CIU's setters kept the offense moving throughout the afternoon. Maria Ferreira handed out 31 assists, while Macy Brooks added 19 as the Rams finished with 55 kills and a .224 hitting percentage. CIU was especially effective in the fourth set, hitting .294 with 13 kills and just three errors to close out the match.
Ashley Burgbacher turned in a huge performance on the back row, collecting 36 digs as CIU amassed 98 as a team. Ashlee Gomes added 20 digs, while Brooks finished with 10.
The Rams now have more than a week away from competition before heading west for the Hampton Inn Classic hosted by Corban University. CIU returns to the court Aug. 28 in Salem, Ore.
