Big Blue Dominate in Conference Opener

By Ashley Rasnake, BSU Sports

CHARLOTTE, NC – Bluefield State University opened CIAA play in dominant fashion Monday night, sweeping Johnson C. Smith University 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-8). 

Callesta Styles led the Big Blue with a match-high nine kills while adding five service aces and two blocks. Alexia Cunningham recorded four kills and two blocks, while Mekenna Scott and Danielle Robinson added five aces each. 

The opening set featured back-and-forth action before Bluefield State took control. Up 14-12, the Big Blue used a six-point run—highlighted by four consecutive service aces from Robinson—to build a 20-12 cushion. Bluefield State held off a late Golden Bulls push to secure the 25-18 victory.  

Bluefield State carried that momentum into the second frame, jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead behind three aces from Scott. A service ace from Tessa Heffner closed out the set at 25-14. 

The Big Blue left no doubt in the third set, surging out to an 11-1 lead fueled by four service aces from Styles. Bluefield State held Johnson C. Smith to just eight points, sealing the match on a kill from Soniya Garner.

Final: Bluefield State 3, Johnson C. Smith 0

Up Next: Bluefield State @ Winston-Salem State, Thursday, September 24th at 6 p.m.