HAMPTON, VA – The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (0-6, 0-1 CIAA) had a tough opening match at the 2011 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Volleyball Round Up as the team took a four-set loss to the Chowan Hawks (6-3, 2-0 CIAA), Friday afternoon. The Lady Rams gave it their all, but came up short in the hard-fought loss.

The Lady Rams gave a solid overall effort, putting up some of their best statistical efforts of the season, but the team could not match the Hawks and their aggressive team. The Lady Rams totaled 30 kills for the match, along with seven service aces in the match. The Lady Rams were also solid defensively with 9.5 total team blocks.

WSSU junior middle blocker De Ann Smith led the way for the Lady Rams with nine kills and just two attack errors. She also added five total blocks (three solo) in the match. Fellow junior hitter Francesa Edgerton added six kills. Freshman libero Kayla Brass added a team-high eight digs.

With the loss, the Lady Rams fall to 0-6 overall and 0-1 in the CIAA. The team will have a quick chance to bounce back when they take on the Elizabeth City State Lady Vikings later in the day. 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.