RIO GRANDE, OH – The Rams faced a quick turnaround after playing Rio Grande earlier in the week, returning to Ohio to compete in the Rio Grande Invitational. Over the two-day event, the Rams will be playing four matches, splitting the first day by falling to Oakland City (0-3) before securing their first victory of the season with a dominant sweep over Sienna Heights (3-0).
Bluefield vs. Oakland City
The Rams fought hard against Oakland City, with sets proving highly competitive (22-25, 22-25, 18-25) sealed their defeat. Despite the setback, several players delivered strong performances.
Mason Lloyd led the Rams' offense with an impressive 14 kills, while Dakari Williams contributed five kills and demonstrated his serving prowess with four aces. Defensively, General Smith and Kyle Pietrzak each recorded two blocks, while Richard Cisneros also added a key defensive stop.
On the assist front, Benedict Somes orchestrated the Rams' attack with 15 assists, while Colby Mutter chipped in with four. Mutter was also a defensive standout, leading the team with nine digs, proving his versatility on the court.
Bluefield vs. Sienna Heights
The Rams bounced back in dominant fashion against Sienna Heights, securing a 3-0 sweep with set scores of 25-16, 25-19, and 25-11.
Lloyd once again led the offensive charge with 12 kills, while Williams continued to shine with nine kills and four aces. Pietrzak added eight kills and matched Williams' serving dominance with four aces of his own. At the net, Cisneros provided a strong defensive presence with two crucial blocks.
Mutter anchored the defensive unit with eight digs, ensuring smooth transitions for the Rams. Meanwhile, Somes facilitated the offense effectively, tallying an impressive 22 assists to guide Bluefield to a well-earned victory.
Looking Ahead
The Rams will be back in action on Saturday, February 2, as they continue their run in the Rio Grande Invitational. They are set to face Park University Gilbert at 4 p.m., followed by a matchup against Aquinas College at 7 p.m.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Rams aim to make their mark in the tournament.
