BLUEFIELD, Va. - The Bluefield University women's volleyball team defeated Sweet Briar College in straight sets during a non-conference bout inside the Dome Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.
Following the win, BU improves to 3-2 on the season.
Set 1
The Rams came out firing in the opening frame, jumping out to a 6-0 lead behind kills from sophomore outside hitter Faith Alsup and freshman middle hitter Zoey Wenstrom, along with a pair of early service aces. Bluefield continued to apply pressure as junior right side Scarlett Hulse and senior outside hitter Ella Gawellek helped extend the advantage to 15-5. The Rams closed the set on a 10-2 run, with Hulse recording a pair of kills and two service aces during the stretch, as Bluefield claimed the opening frame, 25-7.
Set 2
Sweet Briar responded with a closer start in the second set, with the Rams holding a 4-3 advantage early. Bluefield then used a series of kills from Gawellek, Hulse, Alsup and freshman right side Ryann Marsh to build an 11-7 lead. The Vixens battled back within two at 17-15, but the Rams scored eight of the final 11 points to secure a 25-18 victory and take a 2-0 match lead. Gawellek recorded five kills in the frame, while Hulse added four.
Set 3
Bluefield again established control early in the final set, using kills from Gawellek, Alsup and sophomore outside hitter Jaden Bradley to take a 4-2 lead. Sweet Briar kept pace early, but the Rams then broke open the set with a 10-1 run to take a 14-4 advantage. Gawellek and Hulse combined for several kills during the run, while graduate setter Izabella Lechuga added a pair of service aces. Bluefield never looked back, closing out the match, 25-9, to complete the straight-set sweep.
Match Stats
Gawellek led all players with 13 kills while hitting a team-best .579. Alsup added 11 kills and hit .444, while Hulse finished with four kills and nine service aces. Hulse's nine service aces are the most in a single game since Lisa Reale served 10 against Bluefield State in 2006. Lechuga led the Rams with 23 assists and added three service aces, while sophomore defensive specialist Sienna Vitelli paced Bluefield with 18 digs. As a team, the Rams recorded 36 kills, 15 service aces and 38 digs while hitting .343 for the match.
The Rams return to the court Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., travelling across town to face Bluefield State.
