MILLIGAN, Tenn. – The Bluefield University volleyball team bounced back in Appalachian Athletic Conference play Tuesday evening, earning a four-set victory over Milligan University.
With the win, the Rams improved to 5-4 overall and 2-2 in league action. The final set scores were 21–25, 25–15, 25–20, and 25–22.
Bluefield got off to a slow start as Milligan came out strong in the opening set, hitting .286 as a team and capitalizing on Ram miscues to pull away late for a 25–21 win. The setback proved to be a wake-up call for BU, which responded with energy and precision in the second frame. Behind a balanced attack led by Chesed Russell and Morgan Wigg, the Rams stormed ahead and controlled the pace throughout, cruising to a 25–15 victory to even the match.
The third set continued Bluefield's momentum as the Rams hit .290 as a team and turned in key defensive plays to frustrate the Buffs. Wigg and Rachel Sasson delivered timely kills while setter Katie Voss spread the offense efficiently, guiding BU to a 25–20 win and a 2–1 match lead.
Milligan refused to go quietly in the fourth, keeping the set close with six ties and three lead changes. However, Bluefield's attack proved too much down the stretch. Wigg capped off her outstanding night with clutch swings, while Russell and Sasson chipped in at the net to help seal the 25–22 win and the match for the Rams.
Wigg was dominant for Bluefield, posting 17 kills on a blistering .517 hitting percentage to pace the attack. Russell added 14 kills at a .321 clip, while Sasson contributed 7 kills on .278 hitting. Voss distributed the offense with 31 assists, while also adding three service aces and 11 digs for a strong all-around performance. Eledy Torres anchored the defense with 15 digs and five service aces, while Izabella Lechuga chipped in 15 assists and 3 digs. At the service line, Sienna Vitelli also proved effective, tallying six aces.
The Rams look to carry their momentum into a rivalry showdown when they travel to face cross-town rival Bluefield State October 1 with first serve set for 6 p.m.
