Johnson Pulls Away Late to Defeat Bluefield Volleyball in Four Sets

Photo courtesy of Bluefield University’s Athletic Communications Department.

Bluefield University’s women’s volleyball team battled to take the third set but could not complete the comeback, falling 3-1 to Johnson University on Friday, October 30, at the Dome.

Johnson took the opening two sets, 25-15 and 25-21, putting the Rams in an early 2-0 hole. Bluefield responded in the third set, finding its rhythm offensively to earn a 25-22 victory and extend the match.

However, the Royals regained control in the fourth set, closing out the match with a 25-16 win.

Faith Alsup and Ella Gawellek led the Rams offensively, recording 12 kills apiece. Scarlett Hulse added nine kills, while Morgan Wigg contributed six kills and a team-high seven points.

Defensively, Sienna Vitelli led Bluefield with 29 digs, matching Johnson’s Anna Birling for the match high. Kylee Sturgill added 14 digs, and Chesed Russell finished with 11. Sturgill also paced the Rams with 21 assists, while Izabella Lechuga contributed 13 assists.

Despite the individual performances, Johnson held the advantage in several key statistical categories. The Royals finished with 51 kills compared to the Rams’ 44 and recorded 10 service aces to Bluefield’s six. Johnson also finished with seven blocks, while the Rams recorded two.

The loss moved Bluefield to 5-19 overall and 2-16 in conference play, while Johnson improved to 14-15 overall and 10-8 in conference play.

The Rams’ third-set performance provided a bright spot in an otherwise difficult matchup, but the Royals’ ability to respond in the fourth set proved decisive.

Box Score: Women’s Volleyball vs Johnson on 10/30/2026 – Box Score – Bluefield University Athletics