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The BJU Bruins women's volleyball team came out strong on Saturday as the team defeated Spartanburg Methodist College 3-1 and Nova College 3-0 in Hickory, North Carolina.
"It was a great team effort today in both wins," Bruins Head Coach Vickie Denny said. "Several players stepped up at different times and we were able to eliminate our mistakes and put together several offensive runs."
The team was coming off a split day on Friday as they fell 3-2 to St. Clair County Community College in a five-set thriller before defeating Lansing Community College 3-1 to finish out the day strong. The team carried their momentum into Saturday play as they knew they would face another hard day of competition. They would face a familiar foe in the opening match as the team battled the Spartanburg Methodist College Pioneers. The two teams had already met twice this season with both teams capturing a win on their home court.
In the opening set, the Bruins were able to jump out to an early lead as Rachel Tubbs and Laura Gaston provided the scoring touch for the team. The Bruins also played well defensively as the held off a late run by the Pioneers to take the first set 25-18.
Both teams remained close in the second set with neither able to build a sizable lead. Still, the Bruins were able to gain the upper hand and keep it as the team edged the Pioneers 25-20 to lead the match 2-0.
With the sweep in sight, the Bruins came out looking for the win. The Pioneers had other plans as they rallied late in the set to tie the score. The Bruins weren't able to close out SMC as the Pioneers won a tight third set 25-23.
After letting the third set slip away, the Bruins were determined to bounce back and get the win. Saleena Walker had a brilliant match defensively as she helped the Bruins serve receive which fueled their offensive play. With each point, the Bruins' confidence grew as they closed out the Pioneers with a 25-15 win in set four to take the match 3-1.
"This win was extra special for us because SMC beat us earlier in the week," Coach Denny said. "They are a very talented team so to be able to get the win today was a boost for our team."
Laura Gaston led the Bruins with 11 kills while Rachel Tubbs finished with 10. Saleena Walker had 46 digs on the day as the Bruins prepared for their last match of the weekend.
In match two of the day, the Bruins would be paired with Nova College. The team again had a hot start in the first set as the two-pronged scoring attack of Gaston and Tubbs continued to put points on the board. The Bruins took the opening set against the Nighthawks 25-17.
It was much of the same for the Bruins in the second set as the team was able to string together good offensive and defensive play to build the lead. On the day, the Bruins committed very few errors as they took the second set 25-18 to lead the match 2-0.
With the sweep in sight, the Bruins wouldn't be denied as the team dominated play in the final set to win the match 3-0 with a 25-17 win in set three. "We needed this type of momentum as we head into an important region matchup next week," Coach Denny said.
Rachel Tubbs and Laura Gaston each had 10 kills and Saleena Walker again powered the Bruins defense with 38 digs. With the win, the Bruins improve to 10-11 on the season as the team has now won three straight matches.
Next up, the Bruins have a chance to get back to .500 on the season as they battle Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa, Georgia on Tuesday night.
