Balanced Attack Lifts CIU Past SMC Volleyball in Four Sets

Spartanburg, SC – Four different players for visiting Columbia International recorded double-digit kills, and a .270 hitting percentage propelled the Rams to a 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 25-18 win over host Spartanburg Methodist College on Tuesday night.

The Rams (6-5, 2-1 AAC) were led by Zceria Jones, who tallied 15 kills while hitting at a .243 clip. Jones registered seven of her kills in the opening set to spark CIU's fast start.

The Pioneers (4-10, 0-3 AAC) spread the attack with Aurora Aho and Makinnley Smart each posting seven kills, while Hana Vucinic added six. Setter Tristan Craine collected a double-double, finishing with 25 assists and 12 digs, including seven in the second set.

CIU led from start to finish in set one, hitting .295 behind Jones to take the early lead. The Pioneers responded in the second set, securing the win behind a .147 hitting percentage and four kills apiece from Aho and Smart.

The third set proved pivotal, as the score was tied seven times with four lead changes before the Rams pulled away for a 25-20 win and a 2-1 match advantage. Lydia Gustafson paced CIU with four kills in the set, while Braelynn Brewington matched that mark for the Pioneers.

In the fourth set, CIU turned up the pressure, hitting .500 with five kills from Katelynn Mundy and four more from Mary Norwood to close out the match.

Next up, SMC will host Bob Jones University on Wednesday at 6 p.m. inside Bridges Arena.