BLUEFIELD – The eighth win. Men's volleyball picked up its eighth win of the season Wednesday night at the Dome, defeating Cumberland (Tenn.) University in three sets, 25-20, 25-14, 25-22. The eight wins are the most in a season in school history, eclipsing the previous record of seven set last season.
Looking to win its second match in as many tries against the Phoenix this season, in the first set the teams battled each early point, Bluefield taking its biggest lead early in the first game at 10-7. BC pushed its lead to four on several occasions, but each time Cumberland drew closer. The Rams finally punched ahead by five at 17-12. A Chris Dixon kill gave BC a 20-13 lead at which time Cumberland called time. After regrouping the Phoenix charged back, but the Rams held on and took game one 25-20.
The Rams came out smoking in game two, building a 12-2 lead, behind a couple of service aces from Aieron Leary and good overall team play. BC took the second game 25-14.
Cu[RR1] mberland grabbed the early lead in the third game. Down 14-9, the Rams rallied back to within two of the lead before Cumberland moved back ahead by five. The Rams stormed back and tied things at 19 when a CU return sailed out of bounds. An Alberto Chiaparini block gave the Rams a 24-22 lead. The Rams won 25-22.
Chiaparini had 17 kills and Carleek Owens added 12 with nine digs. Chaz Franqui had 33 assists.
The win continued an historic week for men's volleyball, which saw the program get multiple honors for individuals for the first time in program history. Chiaparini received a pair of national honors as he was the NAIA Attacker of the Week and the NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week, in addition to being the Mid-South Attacker of the Week, while Franqui was named Mid-South Setter of the Week.