HAMPTON, VA – The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (17-10) opened the 2011 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Volleyball Championship Tournament with a bang, defeating the Virginia Union Panthers (10-22) in three sets. With the win, the Lady Rams improve to 1-0 in pool play and will need just one more win to guarantee a spot in the semifinal round of the tournament.

The Lady Rams utilized a stellar defensive effort to pick up the win as they held the Panthers to just 25 kills in the match. The freshman tandem of Brittany Rich and Kayla Brass combined for 25 digs. Rich led the effort with 14 digs while Brass added 11. WSSU junior middle blocker De Ann Smith led the Lady Rams offense with nine kills and three total blocks in the match.

After the win, the Lady Rams will take on the Livingstone Blue Bears in a 1:00 p.m. match. For more information on Lady Rams volleyball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.