BOWIE, MD – The Winston-Salem State Rams (5-4, 3-0 CIAA) closed out the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Round Up with on top when the team took a three-set win over the host Bowie State Bulldogs (0-5, 0-3 CIAA). With the win, the Rams open conference play with a 3-0 record.

The Rams turned on their defense to key the conference victory, 25-15, 25-16, and 25-20. For the match, the Rams allowed just 17 kills to the Bulldogs and also added 32 digs with two total blocks (none solo). Offensively, the Rams were impressive as well with 42 kills for the match with just 15 errors. WSSU junior Roselyn Mitchell led the way for the Rams with 11 kills on one attack error in the match. She also added four service aces as well. Senior middle blocker Jocelyn Mills also had seven kills as well.

The Rams wasted little time in taking control of the opening set and pulled away late to pull out the victory. After jumping out to an early 6-1 lead, the Rams maintained their five-point cushion until a 9-3 WSSU run closed out the set.

The second set had a different beginning, but the end was nearly the same as the Rams claimed the 25-16 set victory. The two teams were evenly matched early on as they played to a 4-4 tie before the Rams mounted a 5-1 run to go ahead, 9-5. The Rams kept things going when they pulled away for a 10-point, 21-11 lead after a 7-2 WSSU run. From there, the Rams closed out the set for the 25-16 victory.

The final set was a tougher battle, but the Rams prevailed to claim the match win. The Rams found themselves in a battle early as they fell behind, 4-5 early in the set. The deficit was the first time that the Rams trailed in the match. The team responded with a 4-1 run to reclaim the lead, 8-6. The battle continued as the two teams played to an 11-11 tie. It was then that the Rams took control of the set for good with a 6-1 run to take a 17-12 lead. From there, the Rams would not relinquish their five-point advantage as they finished the match with the win.

With the win, the Rams improve to 5-4 overall, and more importantly, the team improves to 3-0 in CIAA play. The team will open CIAA Southern Division play, Thursday when they head to Fayetteville, North Carolina to take on the Fayetteville State Lady Broncos.

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.