The Bruins picked up their first win in program history as it was an exciting day of beach volleyball matches. Bob Jones took on Lincoln Memorial University and LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. The Bruins fell 1-4 to Lincoln Memorial University before sweeping LaGrange College 5-0 later in the day.
This was the second time the Bruins and LMU Railsplitters have met, but it was a better showing from the Bruins as each pair competed hard to make LMU earn their points. Lincoln Memorial University held four of the Bruins pairs to two sets each, but the pairing of Andrea Villaverde and Faith Blalock were able to secure a big 21-10 win in their first set. It was a tight second set as LMU came away with a narrow 25-23 set win to force a third, but it was the Bruins would who come out victorious giving them a single victory in the first match of the day. It was a similar situation to their first meeting as Andrea and Faith were the duo to pick up the single win against the Railsplitters last week. In their first dual of the day, the Bruins fell 1-4.
When speaking about the match against the Railsplitters, Coach Vickie Denny said that playing a more established team like Lincoln Memorial University has been a great learning experience for her team.
In the second match of the day, LaGrange College entered the game having to forfeit two of their games meaning the Bruins only needed to win one match to win the dual. Each of the pairs stepped up this afternoon and played a strong game to hold the Panthers to two sets. The duo of Emma Riddle and Eden Swihart won their first set 21-19 before holding off the Panthers 25-23 to win their match. Hannah Prince and Caroline Smith picked up two massive set victories as they held the Panthers to only 7 points in their first set and 10 points in set number two. Camila Silva and Timbre Cruz won a close first set 21-19, before seeing a thrilling second set. Camila and Timbre saw a big lead chipped away to force a few set points until they were able to come out victorious with a 25-23 set win.
"LaGrange College is the first NCAA D3 program we have played this season," said Head Coach Vickie Denny. "Going in I thought we would have a good chance to win our first dual if we played well. Being able to take all 3 matches allowed us to win the dual without depending on the forfeits. I am proud how hard the players are working as they learn the beach game."
The team is back on the sand tomorrow afternoon as they take on the two schools again at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in LaGrange, Georgia.
BJU Bruins, 1 | Lincoln Memorial University, 4
1. Lincoln Memorial Kristen Moehring/Katie Cardenas def. Bob Jones Camila Silva/Timbre Cruz 21-17, 21-11
2. Lincoln Memorial Gabirela Abreu/Lydia Thurman def. Bob Jones Emma Riddle/Eden Swihart 23-21, 21-15
3. Lincoln Memorial Emily Walter/Emma Winford def. Bob Jones Hannah Prince/Caroline Smith 21-14, 21-4
4. Lincoln Memorial Katherine Bedel/Sevgi Koyuncu def. Bob Jones Kate Landkrohn/Caitlyn Benson 21-10, 21-15
5. Bob Jones Andrea Villaverde/Faith Blalock def. Lincoln Memorial Michera Moffett/Kiley Bowins 21-10, 23-24, 15-9
BJU Bruins, 5 | LaGrange College, 0
1. Bob Jones Camila Silva/Timbre Cruz def. LaGrange Jharia Harris/Bailey Moss 21-19, 25-23
2. Bob Jones Emma Riddle/Eden Swihart def. LaGrange Vianca Colon Gonzales/Hayleigh Sebaugh 21-11, 21-5
3. Bob Jones Hannah Prince/Caroline Smith def. LaGrange Carmen Hamilton/ Kinleigh Collins 21- 7, 21-10
4. Bob Jones Kate Landkrohn/Caitlyn Benson won by forfeit
5. Bob Jones Andrea Villaverde/Faith Blalock won by forfeit
