Joliet, IL – The Lady Rams kicked off their season with a formidable challenge at The Big Dog's Invitational, hosted by the University of Saint Francis. Over the course of two intense days, the Rams faced off against a competitive lineup, including Mount Mercy University, Rochester Christian University, the University of St. Francis, and Saint Xavier University. 

Despite the daunting schedule, the Lady Rams embraced the challenge with remarkable resilience and determination. With a roster that included several new faces and limited time to build team chemistry, they approached each match with tenacity and grit. 

The results were impressive: the Lady Rams concluded the tournament with a 3-1 record. They secured victories over Mount Mercy, Rochester Christian, and Saint Xavier, only falling to the University of St. Francis in a hard-fought contest. Each game presented its own unique set of obstacles, but the Rams demonstrated their ability to adapt and battle for every point. 

Their strong performance at The Big Dog's Invitational not only set a promising tone for the season but also highlighted the team's readiness to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The Lady Rams have shown they are a force to be reckoned with, and their impressive start suggests an exciting season to come. 

Ram fans are buzzing with anticipation for the season ahead, and Coach Buddy Gallemore is equally enthusiastic. Reflecting on the weekend's tournament, he shared, "I think that we played well this weekend. We're still working on our chemistry on the floor, but the new roster additions helped. The best thing about the weekend that will carry us, is the team energy and excitement." 

Box Scores  

Offensively, the Lady Rams were driven by standout performances this weekend: 

• Junior Liangelys Santana spearheaded the attack with 44 kills. 
• Senior Joslyn Evans contributed 42 kills and an impressive .378 hitting percentage. 
• Junior Davina Lopez added 39 kills of her own. 

• Freshman Cylie-Ann Wong showcased her potential with a powerful debut, adding 32 kills and establishing herself as a key offensive asset. 

• Nayerly Jimenez energized the offense with 134 assists. 

On the defensive end, the Rams showcased their depth and versatility: 

• Senior Georgia Lewis led the defense with 60 digs.
• Junior Liangelys Santana helped anchor the defense with a solid 43 digs.

• Nayerly Jimenez, who excelled both offensively and defensively, tallied 29 digs. 

• Junior Eledy Torres also played a crucial role, adding 29 digs to the defensive efforts. 

Together, these standout performances highlight the Lady Rams' balanced strength on both sides of the net and set a high bar for the rest of the season. 

The Rams will continue their season at the University of the Cumberlands Tournament, held on August 30th and 31st. They will face off against a strong lineup including the University of the Cumberlands, the University of Northwestern Ohio, Keiser University, and William Carey University.