WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (16-11) opened the 2013 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Volleyball Championship Tournament in style when the team took an impressive three-set win over the Virginia Union Panthers (7-14), Sunday morning at Whitaker Gymnasium on the campus of Winston-Salem State University.

Though the Lady Rams controlled the match from beginning to end, they had to hold off a feisty Virginia Union team in order to secure the victory, 25-21, 25-15, and 27-25. The Lady Rams took the win behind a strong overall effort that included 38 total kills in the match, including a team-high 11 from sophomore right side hitter Olivia Owens. The tandem of senior outside hitters Avoni Seymour and Katelin Wensley were also strong with both players notching nine kills each. Junior setters Kayla Brass finished the match with 31 assists and added a block assist.

With the win, the Lady Rams improve to 16-11 overall and remain unbeaten in the double elimination round of the tournament. 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.