The Bruins women's volleyball team wrapped up their preseason scrimmages on Tuesday night as the team fell to Shorter University (NCAA DII) in straight sets (3-0). The Bruins will open the 2019 season this weekend with back to back tri-matches on Friday and Saturday in Danville, Virginia.
"We went up against a much taller and faster team today," Bruins Head Coach Vickie Denny said. "We played outstanding defense keeping several rallies alive with touch blocks and digs. Unfortunately we lacked any offensive consistency."
The Bruins came into the match on the heels of an impressive debut to the preseason as they swept their Saturday scrimmages at home. The Hawks would prove to be a tougher matchup for the Bruins as both teams took the court.
In the opening set, the Hawks found their rhythm early forcing the Bruins to scramble to keep play alive. As a result, the Hawks were able to distance themselves as they took the opening set 25-11.
The Bruins responded well in the second set as Katherine Ring and Abby Plew provided an offensive spark to keep the score close. Again, the Hawks found a way to get points when they mattered most as they took the second set 25-18 to lead the match 2-0.
With their backs against the wall, the Bruins came out strong in the third set hoping to keep the match going. The Bruins defense was superb as Saleena Walker and Hannah Prince combined for 45 digs throughout the match. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Hawks edged the Bruins 25-23 to complete the sweep 3-0.
"This match was a great test to see how we would respond to adversity," Coach Denny said. "When things didn't go our way, we demonstrated resilience and grit and with each set we played a little bit better. I was especially please in the 3rd set when we finally began to get some offense put together to compliment our great defensive play."
Katherine Ring and Abby Plew each had 6 kills in the match to lead the Bruins offensively while freshman Hannah Prince added a double-double with 18 assists and 12 digs. Saleena Walker had 33 digs in the match as the Bruins finish preseason play.
Next up, the Bruins will be on the road Friday and Saturday for a tournament at Averett University in Danville, Virginia. The Bruins will play two matches on Friday. The team will open the regular season with a match against Roanoke College at 5 p.m. followed by a matchup with Averett University at 7 p.m.
