BLUEFIELD, Va. – The Bluefield University women's volleyball team dropped a four-set Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup against Truett McConnell, 3-1, Saturday morning inside The Dome.
The Rams took the opening set 25-14 before the Bears rallied to win the next three sets, 25-21, 25-23 and 25-19.
Bluefield moved to 5-16Â overall on the season and 2-13 in AAC play.
Set 1
Bluefield opened the match strong, taking an early 4-0 lead behind kills from senior middle hitter Morgan Wigg and senior outside hitter Chesed Russell. After Truett McConnell battled back to tie the set at 6-6, the Rams regained control with a strong run. senior right side Ella Gawellek recorded consecutive kills, followed by a service ace, as Bluefield pulled ahead 11-9. The Rams continued to build their advantage with contributions from Russell, junior right side Scarlett Hulse and sophomore outside hitter Faith Alsup, stretching the lead to 20-12. Bluefield closed the set with a 25-14 victory.
Set 2
The teams traded points early in the second set, with neither side able to build much separation. Bluefield held a narrow 10-9 advantage before Truett McConnell moved in front and gradually extended its lead. The Rams fought to stay within reach, with kills from Gawellek, Wigg and Russell helping trim the deficit late. Bluefield pulled within two at 23-21, but the Bears secured the final two points to even the match with a 25-21 win.
Set 3
Truett McConnell jumped out to an early lead in the third set, building a 7-2 advantage. Bluefield worked to close the gap, with kills from Gawellek, Alsup and Hulse helping the Rams fight back. Sophomore defensive specialist Sienna Vitelli added a service ace during a late push that brought Bluefield within one at 16-15. The Rams continued to battle, and a sophomore outside hitter Jaden Bradley service ace brought the score to 24-23. However, Truett McConnell earned the next point to take the set 25-23.
Set 4
The Bears took control early in the fourth set, opening with a 5-0 run. Bluefield responded with kills from Wigg and Gawellek, while Russell and Alsup helped the Rams stay in the contest. The Rams continued to chip away at the deficit, with an Alsup service ace and a late block from Wigg and Hulse helping Bluefield reach 19 points. Truett McConnell held on to win the set 25-19 and take the match.
Match Stats
Gawellek led Bluefield with 13 kills, while Wigg and Russell added 11 and nine kills, respectively. Alsup also finished with nine kills. Sophomore setter Kylee Sturgill recorded 22 assists, and graduate setter Izabella Lechuga added 20 assists. Vitelli led the Rams defensively with 13 digs and contributed two service aces.
The Rams return to action Friday when they travel to face Bryan. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
