Volleyball

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.

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 University’s women’s volleyball team fell to Tennessee Wesleyan University in straight sets, 3-0, on Saturday, October 24, in Athens, Tennessee. The Rams lost the three sets by scores of 25-14, 25-15, and 25-18.

The Rams struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the opening set, recording six kills and eight attack errors as the Bulldogs took the first set, 25-14. Tennessee Wesleyan continued to build momentum in the second set, finishing with 12 kills to secure a 25-15 victory and take a 2-0 lead.

Bluefield showed improvement in the third set, recording 12 kills, their highest total of the match. However, Tennessee Wesleyan’s offense remained productive, finishing the set with 14 kills and only two attack errors to close out the match with a 25-18 win.

Bluefield University’s women’s volleyball team fell to Bryan College, 3-0, on Friday, October 23, in Dayton, Tennessee. The Rams dropped three sets by scores of 25-19, 25-13, and 25-14. Despite a competitive start, Bluefield struggled to maintain its momentum as Bryan found its rhythm offensively and controlled the final two sets.

Bluefield competed in the opening set, recording nine kills, but Bryan pulled away to win 25-19. The Lions took control in the second set, hitting .462 as a team to win 25-13. Bryan closed out the match with a 25-14 win in the third set. The Rams were unable to overcome Bryan’s offensive efficiency, as the Lions continued to create scoring opportunities and limit Bluefield’s chances to close the gap.

Faith Alsup led the Rams offensively with seven kills and two service aces. Ella Gawellek added six kills, while Chesed Russell contributed four kills and a team-high seven digs. Kylee Sturgill led Bluefield with 10 assists, followed by Izabella Lechuga with nine. Alsup’s production at the net helped lead the Bluefield attack, while Russell’s defensive effort provided a presence in the back row. Sturgill and Lechuga also helped distribute the ball and create opportunities for their teammates to score.

Bluefield University’s women’s volleyball team found its rhythm after a competitive opening set, defeating Montreat College 3-0 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play at the Dome on Friday, October 16.

The Rams won the match by scores of 28-26, 25-16, and 25-19, using a strong offensive performance and consistent defensive play to secure the straight-set victory.

The Cavaliers challenged the Rams early in the opening set, forcing Bluefield to play beyond the standard 25-point finish. The Rams ultimately pulled away to win 28-26, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

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 women’s volleyball team, led by Head Coach Keven John and Assistant Kyle Pietrzak, have set their standards high and are ready to take the team further than last year.

The Lady Rams have brought some key players back, but Coach John has also been busy bringing in new talent to add strength, height, and depth to the team.

Luckily for the Rams, some incredibly talented players like Morgan Wigg, from Willow River, Minnesota, and Sienna Vitelli, from San Jacinto, California, have returned. The returning star, Wigg, was named Second Team All-Conference for the Appalachian Athletic Account (AAC) last year, scoring 236 kills, averaging 2.62 kills per set, and posting a .211 hitting percentage over the 2025 season.

Bluefield University men’s volleyball team took the court for Senior Day, celebrating both the final home match of the season and a heartfelt farewell to their lone senior, Kemani Riley. The Dome buzzed with excitement as fans and family gathered to support the Rams in a day filled with emotion and competition.

Senior night is always a bittersweet time as a student-athlete. Some are thankful it’s over, and others are sad to say goodbye to the sport they have loved for so long. Bluefield University held a special evening for the senior members of the women’s volleyball team, having to say goodbye not only to the sport but also to their teammates. The senior night took place at the Bluefield University dome on November 3rd at 7:00 pm.

Photos provided by Rampage student photographer Rachel Hendrick. Two teams, one coach. That is the challenge facing veteran coach Kevin John as he now leads both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs at Bluefield University. Coach John came to Bluefield in the fall of 2023 to revive the men’s volleyball program, bringing with him more […]

Photo provided by Rampage student journalist and photographer Elle Gunter. The start of the fall semester signals one thing in Bluefield — women’s volleyball. Led by a familiar face, head coach Keven John, the Rams are determined to build on their strong returning core while welcoming new talent into the mix. For Coach John, this […]

A number of Bluefield University athletic teams have lost their head coach in recent months, including women’s soccer, men’s basketball, and most recently women’s volleyball. As the search continues, Athletic Director Corey Mullins shares some insights into the process of finding a new coach for our Lady Rams.   “Like with every search, it’s a combination of advertisement, but […]

When Hurricane Helene devastated Montreat College’s campus, it didn’t just disrupt classes and facilities, it threatened to cancel one of the most meaningful moments for the school’s women’s volleyball team: Senior Night. For Montreat’s four senior players, this night symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and memories. What allowed that event to […]

Bluefield University Men’s Volleyball Team Preview: Ready for a Big Season After a year away from competition, the Bluefield University men’s volleyball team returned to the court last season, showing impressive resilience and growth. Now, with key returning players and a renewed focus under head coach Keven John, the Rams are gearing up for a […]