WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Bluefield University men's volleyball team earned a straight-set victory Saturday morning, defeating Carolina University 25-19, 25-19, 25-21 at Williams Gymnasium.

With the win, the Rams improved to 8-7 overall and 4-4 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.

Bluefield turned in an efficient offensive performance, totaling 37 kills while hitting .282 as a team. The Rams were especially sharp in the opening set, swinging at a .385 clip to take early control before maintaining the advantage in the final two frames.

Mamadou Dieng led one of the most balanced offensive efforts of the season, recording seven kills on just nine swings for an impressive .778 hitting percentage. Mason Lloyd added eight kills and two service aces, while Kaden Porter chipped in seven kills on a .545 clip. Richard Cisneros also contributed seven kills while hitting .417.

Kemani Riley added six kills in the middle, helping BU  finish with four players recording six or more kills in the match.

Setter Benedict Somes directed the offense with 22 assists, while Nate Gooden added 11 assists as the Rams totaled 35 assists on their 37 kills. Bluefield also applied pressure from the service line with nine aces in the match.

Defensively, the Rams collected 23 digs and totaled 12 team blocks to limit Carolina to a .148 hitting percentage. Lloyd led the back row with six digs, while Imanol Catalan added four.

BU will return to action Thursday when the Rams travel to Shenandoah for a 6 p.m. first serve.