Despite playing three matches in the last 24 hours in two different states, the Lady Bruins had a solid performance with back to back sweeps over Covenant College (NCAA D3) and Bryan College (NAIA) on Wednesday afternoon in Dayton, Tennessee. These were the last two scrimmages of the preseason before the team opens the regular season at home on August 30.
"I am very encouraged as we finish up preseason," Bruins Head Coach Vickie Denny said. "The players have worked hard and responded well to our coaching staff. Our team will be fun to watch this season!"
The Bruins came into their match with Covenant College on the heels of a five-set loss to Truett-McConnell University on Tuesday night in Georgia. The team made their way to Tennessee today for two matches.
In the opening set against Covenant College, the Bruins had a multi-pronged offensive attack as Katherine Ring, Brooke Beaver, Erin Jarvis and Laura Gaston each finished with 8 kills in the match. Rachel Williams and Brittany Annand helped provide great setting for the offense which fed into a great scoring attack for the team.
After taking the opening set 25-17, Coach Denny tried another lineup combination which worked out well as the team again dominated the set. Saleena Walker led the team defensively as the Bruins took set two 25-14 to lead the match 2-0.
The Scots weren't going to be swept easily though as they charged out in the third set looking to stay alive. The Bruins were able to hold off the rally as they edged Covenant College 25-21 in the final set to sweep the match 3-0.
With a short break, the Bruins prepared for their second match of the day as they took the court against the Bryan College Lions. The Bruins again found their rhythm early on as good defensive play fed into a strong scoring attack as they built an early lead. Despite several runs by the Lions, the Bruins held on to win the opening set 25-17.
In the second set, the Bruins relied on newcomer Brooke Beaver and the sophomore didn't disappoint as she came up with several big kills to spark the team to a 25-21 win and a 2-0 lead in the match.
With their second sweep in sight, the Bruins came out strong from the start in the third set. Rachel Williams provided crisp setting which led to kills for the team and a dominant 25-11 victory in the final set to sweep the match 3-0.
"It was good to see us be able to compete against two solid programs as we move forward," Coach Denny said. "I was very pleased with our play with different people contributing at different times in each match."
Brooke Beaver led the team with 16 kills on the day while Erin Jarvis had 12. Rachel Williams had 37 assists combined and Saleena Walker powered the Bruins defensively with 42 digs.
The Bruins will open the 2018 regular season at home on August 30 as they welcome Columbia International University to the Davis Field House.
