The Shelbyville Rams put together a balanced performance Wednesday night, using strong serving and contributions throughout the lineup to defeat the Cerro Gordo/Bement Broncos in straight sets, 25-16, 25-15.
Shelbyville took control with a nine-point victory in the opening set before carrying that momentum into the second. Cerro Gordo/Bement continued to battle, but the Rams maintained their advantage and closed the night with a 10-point win to complete the sweep. The match was a non-conference contest played at Shelbyville.
The Rams received production from several hitters, with Avery Bland leading the way with six kills. Brynly Rice-Delgado and Brielle Ko each added five kills, while Cambrie Lebon contributed three. Ava Corley and Meiya Thompson each finished with two kills.
Shelbyville’s setters kept the offense moving throughout the match. Corley recorded a team-high 12 assists, while Taya Wiley added seven and Debra Jones contributed two.
The Rams also made an impact from the service line. Rice-Delgado and Jones each recorded four aces, with Rice-Delgado totaling a team-high 13 service points and Jones adding nine. Corley contributed an ace and six service points, while Wiley also recorded an ace.
At the net, Ko led Shelbyville with three blocks, while Rice-Delgado and Stella Beavers each added one. The Rams’ defensive effort was supported in the back row by Corley and Piper Duckett, who each finished with seven digs. Wiley added four digs, Jones recorded three, and Rice-Delgado and Addi Wallis each contributed two.
The victory was a strong response for Shelbyville after the Rams fell to Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg earlier in the week. Cerro Gordo/Bement entered Wednesday’s matchup after facing Unity Christian the previous night, making it a quick turnaround for the Broncos as well.
Shelbyville improved to 9-11 overall with the victory, according to the team’s stat sheet, while remaining 2-0 in conference play. The Rams are scheduled to travel to Pawnee for their next match.
FINAL: Shelbyville def. Cerro Gordo/Bement, 2-0
Set 1: Shelbyville 25, Cerro Gordo/Bement 16
Set 2: Shelbyville 25, Cerro Gordo/Bement 15
