CIU Athletics
Gordie Frierson, Sports Information Director
COLUMBIA, S.C – After dropping their previous two contests CIU Volleyball is back on track with two consecutive wins. CIU defeated St. Andrews University on Tuesday night and then would turn around and knock off Columbia College this Wednesday evening 3-0. The Rams (5-3) strengthen their postseason chances with the win but still have plenty of matches left to play. The Koalas of Columbia College fell to 0-9 on the season with the loss.
How it happened:
Set One: CIU opened up the set with one of their better starts this season, jumping out to a 7-1 lead over the Koalas. CIU extended their lead 22-13 and would not look back, taking set one 25-15. Abbey Kleist and Shaniece Steer led the Rams attack while Emilia Niedzielska anchored the backline from the libero spot.
Set Two: The Koalas received a jolt of confidence starting set two going ahead 5-0. However, two kills from Kira Rymer and a service ace from Alana Sanjurjo propelled CIU into a 5-5 tie with CC. The Rams then surged forward behind solid play from Rymer as CIU seized the set 25-16.
Set Three: Freshman continued to rule the day in set three for CIU as Alana Sanjurjo picked back to back aces to give CIU a 13-9 lead midway through the set. Later Abbey Kleist picked up another kill to keep the Rams in front 20-14. The Koalas eventually buckled under CIU’s attack, and the Rams won set three 25-20.
Game Notes:
- CIU had an impressive day from their freshmen as a freshmen player would lead the Rams in four categories, kills, assists, aces, and digs.
- Freshmen Shaniece Steer (19 kills), Abbey Kleist (4 kills), and Kira Rymer (8) combined for 31 of the Rams 44 kills. Kleist also recorded an impressive .444 hitting percentage.
- All 8 of the Rams aces came from freshmen as Kira Rymer had 3, Alana Sanjurjo had 3, and Shaniece Steer notched 2.
- Sophomore Gabby Vega led the Rams in blocks with 3 while freshman Emilia Niedzielska was very reliable for CIU with 16 digs as the libero.
- Kamelia De Jesus found some success from the setter position, recording 33 assists.
“It was really special to see our freshmen step up tonight,” head coach Amber Haver said. “Happy to be back on the court at home.”
The Rams next travel to Milligan College on Thursday to square off with the Buffaloes on Friday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m.