SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Texas Wesleyan University (0-2) volleyball team lost their opening two matches in the Halo Classic. The Rams fell to #24 William Carey (2-0) 3-0 in three sets and fell once again to Embry-Riddle (1-0) 3-1 in four sets.

In the opening match of the tournament, the Rams faced off with the #24 team in the country in the William Carey Crusaders from Mississippi. In the first set, the Crusaders got off to a quick lead going up 10-1, from there the two teams traded blows, but the Crusaders ended up taking the first set 25-10. The second set was much closer as the two teams went back and forth staying neck and neck, the Rams scored four in a row to only trail 13-12 midway through the set. The Crusaders took a 19-16 lead; the Rams then called a crucial timeout and scored four in a row again to take the lead 20-19 for their first lead of the match. The Crusaders unfortunately outscore the Rams 6-2 to end the set 25-22. The third set was much the same as the Rams kept pace with the Crusaders but ultimately fell 22-25 and lost the match 3-0.

Hanna Rubis led the team in kills with 11, followed by Sydney Alexander with eight. Ruby Rumohr aided the Rams attack with 12 assists, and Neeley Rutledge the defensive leader with six digs.

In the second match of the day, the Rams faced off with the Eagles of Embry-Riddle University (AZ). The opening set was one of swings as the Rams and Eagles would score in groups of two, three, or even four points to stay even with one another. The Eagles were up 20-14 late into the set, then the Rams proceeded to outscore them 11-5 to tie everything up at 25. The Eagles then ended the set with a kill, followed by a service ace to win 27-25. In the second set, the Eagles once again were up 22-11 and in complete control of the set. The Rams once again outscored the Eagles 13-2 to tie the set up at 24, but ultimately fell 26-24 in set number two. In the third set, the Rams and Eagles essentially went point for point, with the Rams getting crucial late set points to take their first set 26-24. Going into the fourth set, the Rams had the momentum and saw themselves up 13-10 in a crucial part of the set. The Eagles then saw a seven-point swing in their favor to take the lead, they then took that momentum to win the set 25-22 and ultimately win the match 3-1.

Outside Victoria Smith was a huge contributor with 11 kills and six blocks, both of which led the team. Lillian Breaux and Rumohr helped facilitate the attacks with 27 assists combined. Rumohr also led the team in digs with eight.

The Rams next matchup in the Halo Classic is with the Saints of Our Lady Of The Lake University on Saturday, August 16 at 5:30pm.