CIU, Reinhardt Suffer NAIA Opening Round Losses

(CIU Sports Communications and Reinhardt Sports Communications contributed to the story)

WALESKA, Ga. - Columbia International and Reinhardt represented the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) well in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship Opening Round on Saturday. Unfortunately, both squads failed to advance to the final site.

Columbia International dropped a 3-1 decision at Marian (Ind.), while Reinhardt lost 3-0 at Southern Oregon.

Marian 3, CIU 1

After an impressive set one win on Saturday evening CIU volleyball would be unable to continue their momentum in the rest of the match as the Rams fell 3-1 (25-16, 21-25, 22-25, 20-25) to Marian (Ind.) in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship Opening Round. Saturday's match marked just the second time the Rams have gone on the round in for an Opening Round matchup. CIU is 0-2 all-time on the road in the NAIA postseason.

The Rams bounced back from a 7-1 set one deficit to take a commanding 25-16 set one win capped off with a Hanah Weiss kill. However, leads come sparsely for CIU in the matches' remaining three sets despite just a three-point (91-88) difference separating the Rams and Knights in the final point tally.

Hanah Weiss and Hadassah Davis led the Rams in kills with 14 each, as Weiss hit .367 on the evening. After limited action all season, Kira Rymer Attaway played admirably, recording ten kills as the most decorated women's volleyball player in program history wrapped up her NAIA postseason career.

Setters Kamelia De Jesus and Melissa Campos Soto both had notable outings as Campos Soto produced 25 assists while De Jesus totaled 24 assists and 21 digs.

Lydia Gustafson and Gabriela Vega were each valuable to the Ram's effort as Gustafson chalked up nine kills and Vega posted seven total blocks.

Kelcey Mangum continues her impressive career as the junior libero recorded 29 digs.

Southern Oregon 3, Reinhardt 0

The Eagles faced a strong Southern Oregon team, with set scores reflecting the intense competition: 25-18, 25-12, and 25-17. Throughout the tournament, Reinhardt's athletes displayed determination and skill. Notably, Juliette Baffico led the Eagles with seven kills, followed by Emma Ponkova with six kills. Ashlynn Barnes not only contributed 2 kills but also played a pivotal role with nine digs and an impressive 25 assists.

On the defensive end, Caroline Curry stood out with two blocks, aiding the team's efforts to counter Southern Oregon's strong attacks. The team also saw significant contributions from players like Faith Breitbarth and Breah Watson who each contributed with blocks, and Silvia Aguado who managed to secure three aces demonstrating her prowess in serving.