BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - The Bluefield University women's volleyball team dropped a four-set battle against Bluefield State, 3-1, Wednesday evening inside Ned Shott Gymnasium.
Set 1
The Rams (3-3) came out strong in the opening frame, building an early 5-3 advantage behind a pair of kills from sophomore outside hitter Faith Alsup and a service ace from junior right side Scarlett Hulse. Bluefield State (3-2) responded to take a 10-8 lead, but BU battled back to even the set at 15-15. The two teams continued trading points late, with Alsup and senior middle hitter Ella Gawellek providing key kills. After Bluefield State reached set point at 25-24, the Rams answered with two-straight points before an ace from graduate setter Izabella Lechuga secured the 28-26 victory.
Set 2
Bluefield State grabbed an early 5-1 lead in the second set, but the Rams steadily chipped away at the deficit. Kills from Gawellek and Alsup helped BU pull within one at 11-10 before the teams continued exchanging points. The Rams took a 17-16 advantage midway through the frame following a stretch of Bluefield State errors. The hosts regained the lead late, however, and held on for a 25-23 win to even the match at one set apiece.
Set 3
Bluefield State jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the third frame, but the Rams responded with a 4-0 run sparked by multiple errors from the hosts. BU continued to battle, with Alsup and Hulse contributing kills as the Rams pulled within two at 12-10. Bluefield State extended its advantage late, but a pair of service aces from sophomore defensive specialist Sienna Vitelli helped BU close the gap to 21-17. However, the Rams were unable to complete the comeback, falling 25-22.
Set 4
Bluefield State controlled the opening portion of the fourth set, taking a 7-1 lead. The Rams answered with a 5-0 run, including kills from Gawellek and Hulse, before eventually tying the frame at 15-15. BU continued to fight, with Alsup and Gawellek helping the Rams remain within striking distance. Bluefield State pulled away late, though, claiming the final set 25-19 to secure the 3-1 victory.
Match Stats
Alsup led all players with 21 kills and added nine digs, while Gawellek recorded 12 kills and three service aces. Hulse finished with nine kills, three aces and eight digs. Lechuga paced the Rams with 29 assists and added eight digs, while sophomore setter Kylee Sturgill contributed 11 assists and 13 digs. Vitelli led BU defensively with 20 digs and added two aces.
The Rams return to action Friday, September 11, hosting Bryan in their Appalachian Athletic Conference opener inside The Dome at 6:30 p.m.
