The Rampage Nov 2021

The Rampage



18

Women’s V

by Andrew LaPan Sports Communications • 2025 T he most successful Bluefield University athletic team this fall was by far the women’s volleyball team who finished the regular season 20-11 overall and 16-5 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Coached by Buddy Gallemore, who is in his fifth year leading the Lady Rams, the team had two particularly hot stretches this season, including a seven-game win streak in September and five out of seven wins to conclude the 2021 campaign. As the regular season comes to a close, Coach Gallemore said he is confident in a strong post-season run. “Going into the season I thought we had some good players returning in addition to some good recruits coming in,” Coach Gallemore said. “Our success would depend on team chemistry.”

Lady Ram Lauren Sotomayor said she was nervous about team chemistry, but once she got to BU and pre-season began she knew the team was “amazing,” which made her feel like she was at home. “Our team chemistry is amazing on the

court,” Sotomayor said. “We all hold each other to a high standard on and off the court. We all have the same goal and work together very well.” Sotomayor is very accomplished, as well, being named First Team AAC All-Conference. She is also third in the conference in kills per set, fourth in total kills, and sixth in total points, and she has been named AAC Attacker of the Week twice. “ Our success would depend on team chemistry.”