Pikeville, Ky. - UPIKE volleyball's five game win streak was snapped after a 3-0 match loss to Columbia International Saturday afternoon.  

The Rams got off to a hot start, jumping out to an 8-1 lead on the Bears. The Bears came back with a 5-2 run to cut the lead to 10-6. The Rams would, however, rally and went on a 7-2 run. CIU held on and took the first set and a 1-0 match lead.  

After going back and forth early in the second, the Rams went on a 6-0 and went up 16-5. CIU would go on to win the set and held a 2-0 match lead. UPIKE showed life in the third, cutting CIU's early lead to one after a kill by Kyra Looney. CIU shut the door on UPIKE's comeback bid, however, going on an 8-2 run. The Bears battled back but the Rams' early lead proved to be too much to overcome. Columbia International took the third set and won the match.  

Yaricel Rodriguez led the UPIKE offense with seven kills and two blocks. Cheyenne Martinez led UPIKE with 12 assists and tied Bella Blackburn with four digs.  

UPIKE will return to action Tuesday afternoon for a 7 PM road match with the Bluefield Rams. 

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