The Rams took down Fairmont State in four sets 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, 25-20 in a home contest Tuesday night to secure their 11th win of the season. The win marks the second straight victory as the team looks to turn the momentum into three in a row when they welcome Notre Dame College to Shepherdstown this Friday.
The win was also the first against Mountain East Conference opponents as the Rams are now 1-2 in such games. Junior outside hitter Cambriea Hill led the charge for the Rams as she recorded 19 kills, 16 digs, one block, and one assist.
Despite the strong performance Hill had this to say following the game, “Imani Major has been doing a great job with carrying the team on defense with over five digs a set but this weekend it’s going to take the team as a whole to continue our winning streak and advance our record to 13-5.”
That is the type of mindset you like to see from any athlete as the Rams know they have plenty of room for improvement before the next game. “Last night wasn’t our best game,” Hill said. “We all could have played better but we pushed through and got the win.”
Fellow junior outside hitter Peyton Linblad continued her strong season performance, adding 18 kills and a team high three aces after recently being recognized for MEC player of the week honors.
For the game, the Rams bested the Fighting Falcons in kills at 56-50, hitting percentage at .250 to .167, blocks 12-9, and assists with 55-49 in an all-around team effort. Sophomore middle hitter Nicole Murray had eight of the Rams nine blocks on the night, a true force in front of the net.
Other Rams with strong outings Tuesday night were senior setter Becca Kern, who matched the entire Falcons squad in assists with 49 while junior libero Imani Major had a game high 20 digs.
The hope is that Shepherd can add to the win streak on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. vs. the Falcons on Youth Night. All youth 8th grade and under will be admitted for free.
Vaughn Brewer is the sports editor for the picket. He can be reached at vbrewe01@rams.shepherd.edu