WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (8-7, 8-2 CIAA) took their fourth straight win behind a stellar defensive effort when they took a three-set win over the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (6-6, 5-5 CIAA), Monday evening. Defense was the order of the day for both teams as the squads combined for 40 total blocks in the match.

Though the WSSU defense stole the show, the Lady Rams took the win behind a great overall effort. The team took the win by scores of 25-20, 25-22, and 25-17. As a team, the Lady Rams totaled 37 kills with 21 total blocks (three solo). WSSU freshman outside hitter Jasmine Smith led the attack for the Lady Rams with 10 kills while fellow freshman Sydney Holland added nine kills. Junior right side hitter Olivia Owens also had a stellar evening with 10 digs and seven total blocks (one solo) as well.  Senior middle blocker Chelsea Violenes also had a great night with five total blocks (one solo).

The Lady Rams took control of the match early with an 18-9 lead, but soon had to fend off a furious rally by the Golden Bulls that cut the WSSU lead down to just four points, 23-19. However, the Lady Rams were able to hold on for the 25-20 opening set victory. The tables turned in the second set as it was Johnson C. Smith that jumped out to the early lead as the Lady Rams found themselves trailing, 7-15. It was then that the Lady Rams staged a rally of their own with 11 straight points to take an 18-15 lead. The run included six JCSU errors and a trio of Lady Rams kills. It was senior Jenna Baranowski that served the run for the Lady Rams. After taking the lead, the Lady Rams held on to pull out the 25-22 win. In the third and final set of the match, the Lady Rams cruised to the win. After battling to an early 3-3 tie, the Lady Rams kicked things into gear with 12-3 run that gave the team a 15-6 lead. The Lady Rams went on to push their lead to as many as 11 points 20-9 before a late run by the Golden Bulls. The Golden Bulls staged an 8-5 run, but the effort was not enough as the Lady Rams closed out the match with the 25-17 victory.

With the win, the Lady Rams improve to 8-7 overall and 8-2 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The team will remain home for its next competition as they will take on the Livingstone Blue Bears in the team's annual Dig Pink 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.