After suffering tough back to back losses on Friday, the Lady Bruins bounced back with a win on Saturday at the Valley Invitational in Hickory, North Carolina. With the win, the Bruins now are 17-5 on the season.
The Bruins had battled hard in their matches on Friday, but the team wasn't able to close out resulting in losses to Owens Community College (3-2) and Lake Sumter State College (3-1). On Saturday, the team was determined to get back on track.
Their first scheduled match of the day was a no contest as St. Johns River Community College did not compete, having left after their earlier match in the day. As a result, the Bruins were forced to wait for their afternoon matchup.
The Bruins had several hours to wait before their next match, but the team didn't show any rust as they took the court against Nova College. In the opening set, the Bruins came out strong behind the dominant offensive play of Brooke Beaver and Jordan Anderson as the pair combined for 23 kills in the match. The Bruins were able to find their rhythm early and were able to hold off a late charge by the Nighthawks as they took the opening set 25-21.
In the second set, the Bruins came out strong again from the start to build an early lead. The Nighthawks were able to keep the score close, but Rachel Williams provide great setting to open up kill opportunity for hitters up front. The Bruins again showed poise down the stretch as they took set two 25-19 to lead the match 2-0.
With a sweep in their sights, the Bruins stormed out to an early lead and never looked back as they put away the Nighthawks 25-13 to win the match 3-0. Brittany Annand helped guide the offense in the third set as the Bruins chemistry was in sync. Annand had 10 assists in the set to go along with five digs. The team generated 42 kills and 61 digs over the course of the match.
"It was good to get back on the winning side today," Bruins Head Coach Vickie Denny said. "This was a good match to get everyone involved and get some minutes in the game. We also appreciate the fan base of students, friends and family who came out to support us this weekend."
Brooke Beaver had a double-double in the match with 13 kills and 10 digs. Jordan Anderson also had a strong day with 10 kills, six digs and a solo block. Rachel Williams finished the match with 29 assists while Saleena Walker had 19 digs to lead the team defensively.
Next up, the Bruins will be back in action on Tuesday night as they welcome Piedmont College to the Davis Field House at 7 p.m.
