Rams Drop Four-Set Matchup Against Union Commonwealth

Photo courtesy of Bluefield University’s Athletic Communications Department.

Bluefield University’s women’s volleyball team got off to a strong start on the morning of Halloween but was unable to maintain its momentum, falling 3-1 to Union Commonwealth University at the Dome on Saturday, October 31.

The Rams opened the match with a competitive first set, earning a 25-23 victory behind a balanced offensive effort. Bluefield recorded 12 kills in the opening set while limiting the Bulldogs to a .065 hitting percentage.

Union Commonwealth responded in the second set, overcoming Bluefield 25-22 to even the match at one set apiece. The Bulldogs carried that momentum into the third set, taking another 25-22 decision to move within one set of closing out the match.

Bluefield looked to extend the contest in the fourth set, but Union Commonwealth pulled away to secure a 25-16 victory and take the match.

Ella Gawellek led the Rams offensively with 12 kills, while Morgan Wigg and Faith Alsup each contributed nine kills. Wigg also made an impact defensively at the net, recording a team-high four blocks.

Sienna Vitelli led Bluefield’s defensive effort with 28 digs, the most of any player in the match. Chesed Russell added 13 digs and eight kills, while setter Kylee Sturgill finished with 27 assists to lead the Rams’ offense.

Vitelli added another accomplishment to her season, earning the NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week honors, along with the Appalachian Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors. The recognition came after an impressive week in which she recorded 57 digs, nine assists, three service aces, and one kill across eight sets. Her defensive presence continued to be an important part of Bluefield’s lineup, and the national honor recognizes her contributions on the court.

Despite the loss, Bluefield finished ahead of Union Commonwealth in both assists (45-41) and digs (76-74). However, the Bulldogs held the advantage in kills (50-48), service aces (5-4), and blocks (8-5).

The result moved Bluefield to 5-20 overall and 2-17 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play, while Union Commonwealth improved to 12-17 overall and 8-11 in conference action.

Box Score: Women’s Volleyball vs Union Commonwealth on 10/31/2026 – Box Score – Bluefield University Athletics