BLUEFIELD, Va. - The Bluefield University women's volleyball team fell to the University of Pikeville in straight sets, 3-0, Tuesday evening inside The Dome.
Following the loss, BU moves to 3-6 on the season and 0-3 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.
Set 1
The Rams came out strong in the opening frame, taking an early 6-4 advantage behind a stretch of six-straight points. Sophomore outside hitter Faith Alsup and senior middle hitter Ella Gawellek contributed kills during the run, while sophomore defensive specialist Sienna Vitelli added a service ace. Pikeville responded to regain control and built an 18-14 lead late in the set. The Bears held on to claim the opening frame, 25-17.
Set 2
Pikeville jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second set and continued to extend its advantage throughout the frame. The Bears led 16-4 before Bluefield battled to cut into the deficit. Pikeville maintained its momentum, however, closing out the set 25-10 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
Set 3
Bluefield opened the third set with a 1-0 lead, but Pikeville quickly answered with a 5-2 advantage. The Bears continued to control the frame, building a 13-4 lead midway through the set. The Rams continued to fight, but Pikeville pulled away late and completed the sweep with a 25-11 victory.
Match Stats
Alsup and Gawellek led the Rams offensively with six kills apiece, while senior outside hitter Chesed Russell added five kills. Senior middle hitter Morgan Wigg finished with three kills and two block assists.
Sophomore setter Kylee Sturgill paced BU with 13 assists, while graduate setter Izabella Lechuga added seven assists. Vitelli led the defensive effort with 12 digs and recorded one service ace. Alsup also finished with one ace, while Gawellek contributed one block assist. Russell added one block assist, and Wigg recorded two.
The Rams return to action Friday, traveling to Johnson for an AAC contest at 6:30 p.m.
