WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State Rams (18-7, 14-1 CIAA) took one of their most impressive wins of the season when the team took a three-set win over the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (4-20, 2-13 CIAA), Monday evening. The Rams put on a defensive showcase in the match as they won the match, 25-7, 25-12, and 25-11.

Defensively, the Rams had one of their best matches of the season when they held the Golden Bulls to just 30 total points for the match. The Rams held their opponents to just 16 kills and took advantage of 21 JCSU attack errors. Offensively, the Rams totaled 36 kills with just eight attack errors. WSSU sophomore outside hitter Sydney Holland led the way for the Rams with a near double-double. She finished the game with 10 kills and eight digs. Freshman libero Michelle Murray-Garcia added 11 digs as well. Senior right side hitter Olivia Owens added eight kills and three total blocks (none solo).

The Rams dominated each set of the match as Johnson C. Smith struggled to sustain any runs throughout the match. The Rams kicked things into gear early in the opening set when they jumped out to an 8-1 lead. From there, the team only allowed back-to-back scores once throughout the set and cruised to the 25-7 win. The second set was tougher for the Rams, but the team was able to once again take the victory. This time, it was Johnson C. Smith who opened the set with the lead as WSSU trailed 3-6. The team soon kicked things into gear to tie the set, 7-7 en route to building a 12-7 lead. From there, the Rams outscored the Golden Bulls 13-5 to take the 25-12 victory. With the two-set victory well in hand, the Rams rolled to the victory, but not before fending off a late rally by the Golden Bulls. After building a 21-6 lead, the Rams soon had to hold off the Golden Bulls, who scored on three straight points before the Rams closed the set with a 25-11 win.

With the win, the Rams take full command of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division with An 8-1 lead in the division. The team will close out the regular season when they take on the Livingstone Blue Bears on senior night, Thursday.

For more information on Rams volleyball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.