Strong Start Not Enough as Rams Fall to Truett McConnell
Photo courtesy of Bluefield University’s Athletic Communications Department.
Bluefield University’s women’s volleyball team opened play with a commanding first-set performance but could not sustain the momentum, falling 3-1 to Truett McConnell University on Saturday, October 17 at the Dome Gymnasium.
The Rams took the opening set 25-14 before the Bears responded with three consecutive set victories to claim the Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup. Truett McConnell won the final three sets 25-21, 25-23, and 25-19.
Bluefield looked sharp early, building a 4-0 first-set lead with kills from Morgan Wigg and Chesed Russell. The Rams continued applying pressure at the net, eventually building enough separation to win the set by 11 points.
The second set brought a different challenge. After the teams traded points early, Truett McConnell gradually gained control. Bluefield attempted to close the gap late, but the Bears held on for a 25-21 win to even the match.
The third set proved to be the closest of the afternoon. Truett McConnell built an early 7-2 lead, forcing Bluefield to work its way back into contention. The Rams responded with kills from Ella Gawellek, Faith Alsup, and Scarlett Hulse, while Sienna Vitelli contributed a service ace during the comeback attempt.
Bluefield continued to pressure the Bears late in the set, eventually pulling within one point at 24-23 on a service ace from Jaden Bradley. However, Truett McConnell secured the next point to take the set 25-23 and move within one set of the match victory.
The Bears carried that momentum into the fourth set, opening with a 5-0 run. Bluefield worked to recover, with contributions from Wigg, Gawellek, Russell, and Alsup helping keep the Rams within reach. A late block from Wigg and Hulse helped Bluefield continue its push, but Truett McConnell closed out the set 25-19 to secure the match.
Gawellek led Bluefield’s attack with 13 kills, while Wigg added 11. Russell and Alsup each finished with nine kills as the Rams recorded 52 kills overall. Wigg also contributed two blocks, while Hulse led the team with three blocks.
The Rams received contributions from both setters, with Kylee Sturgill recording 22 assists and Izabella Lechuga adding 20. Vitelli led Bluefield defensively with 13 digs, followed by Russell with 12.
Bluefield finished with more kills than Truett McConnell, 52-43, and held a slight edge in hitting percentage, .177 to .167. However, the Bears recorded nine total blocks compared to Bluefield’s three, helping them overcome the Rams’ offensive production.
The defeat left Bluefield at 5-16 overall and 2-13 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play, while Truett McConnell improved to 20-8 overall and 10-4 in conference action.
The Rams will look to get back on track Friday, October 23, when they travel to face Bryan College. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Box Score: Women’s Volleyball vs Truett McConnell on 10/17/2026 – Box Score – Bluefield University Athletics