It was a memorable night at the Davis Field House on Friday night as the Bruins volleyball team played their homecoming match. The team won in convincing fashion over visiting Johnson and Wales University, winning in straight sets 3-0. The Bruins also honored the five seniors during pregame
"We knew they were a really good team and had good athletes that could put the ball in a lot of different places," Bruins Head Coach Vickie Denny said. "They've had a good season and won a lot of games. We wanted to play good defense and shut their big hitters down. We were able to use good serving to keep them out of their rhythm. Our game plan worked and we're thankful for the win."
The Bruins came into the game on a hot streak as the team had on their last five games in a row and hadn't dropped a single set during that run. They knew they would be in for a tough test as they welcomed the Wildcats who came into the match at 15-4 having won their last five in a row. The Bruins fans were out in full voice as the match began.
It was a special moment to begin the opening set as the Bruins called on senior Erin Jarvis to have the first serve of the night. Jarvis had been an impact player for the Bruins during her freshman and sophomore seasons before knee injuries sidelined her for her junior and senior seasons. Still, Jarvis gave the Bruins a spark as she served it over the net and then recorded a dig which later led to a Brooke Beaver kill to give the team a 1-0 lead. Jarvis then subbed out for the night.
"It was such an honor to be walking on the court again as a starter," Jarvis said. "I don't think I have ever been as nervous to go into a game. I really thank coach and the whole team for giving me that opportunity. I really appreciated that a lot."
The Bruins rode the energy of the crowd as they built a 6-1 lead. Brooke Beaver and Victoria Glaze picked apart the Wildcat defense as the Bruins continued to stretch their lead. After a kill by Katherine Ring and an ace from Lauren Mukenschnabl, the Bruins extended their lead to 16-4 and never looked back as they took the opening set 25-6.
In the second set, the Bruins again jumped out to an early lead thanks to aces by Beaver and kills by Glaze and Emma Riddle. The Wildcats answered back with three straight points but the team couldn't seem to get into a rhythm thanks to great defense by the Bruins. Saleena Walker provided an ace for the Bruins to make it 16-7 and the Bruins again kept the pressure on as they cruised to a 25-12 win in set two to take a 2-0 match lead.
With their backs against the wall, the Wildcats came out looking to avoid the sweep. The score remained close in the opening as the two teams traded points with the Bruins eventually holding a 7-6 lead. Near the midway point of the set, Glaze came up with another big kill and Ring followed suite as the Bruins went on a run to lead 19-13.
After the Wildcats scored the next point, the Bruins went on a 5-0 run as Beaver recorded a kill and Glaze an ace to help the Bruins get match point. Beaver then finished off the Wildcats with an emphatic kill to help the Bruins win their sixth match in a row and 18th straight set 25-15.
The Bruins honored seniors Kaitlin Mowry (Team Manager), Erin Jarvis, Laura Gaston, Lauren Mukenschnabl, and Saleena Walker. Each has made a significant impact on the program during their time.
"As I look at this senior class I am thankful for them and thankful for their contributions and the sacrifices they made especially early on in our program," Coach Denny said. "These players stuck with us when they could have gone elsewhere. Now, we are reaping some of the benefits of what we were trying to do in those early years."
Brooke Beaver had a double-double for the Bruins on the night with 10 kills and 12 digs to go along with four aces. Brittany Annand recorded 28 assists while Saleena Walker had 20 digs in the win.
Next up, the Bruins will be back home again on Tuesday night as they welcome region-rival Toccoa Falls College. The Eagles are currently ranked #4 in the NCCAA DII National Poll.
