Despite a strong start, the Lady Bruins volleyball team couldn't hold the lead as they fell to Bryan College 3-1 in their final preseason exhibition. "It was a good competitive scrimmage for us," Bruins Head Coach Vickie Denny said. "It allowed all players to get some valuable playing time and we had several key contributions from players throughout."
The Bruins came into the match on Wednesday evening after a difficult preseason lineup in previous weeks. Still, the team was looking to close out the preseason strong.
In the opening set the Bruins and Lions traded points early on with neither able to gain a large lead. The veteran players on the Bruins squad had great composure in responding to each Lions point. Eventually, both teams worked to a 23-23 tie. Marjorie Elliott stepped up big for the team with back to back kills to help propel the Bruins to a 25-23 win in the opening set.
The Lions came back in the second set to take an early lead. The Bruins responded as several newcomers made key plays to put the team back within striking distance. The Lions were able to keep the Bruins at bay and took the second set 25-20.
In the third set, the Bruins rookies again played strong against a good Lions squad. Eventually, the defensive holes were exposed by Bryan College as they took the third set 25-18.
The Bruins mounted one last push in set four as they came out strong with several kills. The team eventually gained an 18-16 lead, but crucial defensive errors down the stretch allowed the Lions to capture the final set 25-20.
Rachel Tubbs and Katherine Ring each had eight kills while playing three sets each and Marjorie Elliott finished the night with six kills. Defensively, the Bruins got key contributions from Saleena Walker and Lauren Johnson as the pair combined for 29 digs in the match.
The Bruins will begin the 2017 regular season on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Johnson University to Greenville.
