WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — CIU women's volleyball opened the Cumberlands Quad-Match in impressive fashion Friday, sweeping future Appalachian Athletic Conference member Carolina University (N.C.) in three sets.
The Rams (3-7) took the opening set 25-20 before turning in their most dominant frame of the evening in the second. CIU rolled to a 25-11 victory and finished the set with 15 kills and no attack errors on 32 attempts for a .469 hitting percentage. CIU completed the sweep with a 25-17 win in the third.
Mary Norwood led a balanced CIU attack with 13 kills, while Zcearia James followed closely with 12 kills and just one error on 28 attempts for a .393 hitting percentage. Katelynn Mundy was particularly efficient, putting down seven kills without an error on 12 swings to hit .583. Savannah Kelly added two kills on five attempts and a block assist.
The Rams' setters kept the offense moving throughout the sweep. Maria Ferreira handed out 22 assists and added two service aces, while Macy Brooks recorded 14 assists. CIU finished with 44 kills and hit .276 for the match.
CIU also created problems from the service line, finishing with 11 aces. Ashlee Gomes led the way with six aces while adding four kills and 14 digs. Ashley Burgbacher anchored the back row with a match-high 19 digs, while Ferreira and Brooks added nine apiece.
The Rams now turn their attention to a challenging Saturday slate in Williamsburg. CIU faces Bethel University (Ind.) before taking on host No. 10 Cumberlands in a rematch of last season's NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship Opening Round
