The Bob Jones University beach volleyball team make the quick drive to Spartanburg, South Carolina for two Saturday matches against Truett McConnell University and Spartanburg Methodist College. The Bruins battled through windy conditions, but ultimately fell short as they lost 4-1 to Truett McConnell and narrowly fell 3-2 against Spartanburg Methodist at the Upward Star Center sand volleyball courts.
"I thought we had a good chance to win today if we played well from the first whistle, but we had a rough start against Truett McConnell, whom we have faced several times this season," said Coach Christa Schlichting. "However, I was proud of how the team bounced back in the Southern Methodist dual. We competed hard on a cold, windy day against a well-matched opponent and it was exciting to have four out of the five pairs force a third set! This was a great reminder of the growth that this team has experienced over the course of our inaugural season."
The Bruins braved the cold and wind in their first match of the day against Truett McConnell University for the third time this season. Faith Blalock and Katelyn Landkrohn picked up the lone win for the Bruins as they won in straight sets in the 4-1 loss against the Bears.
After a break, the Bruins would head back to the sand to face Spartanburg Methodist College for the second time this season. On court one, Katelyn Landkrohn and Faith Blalock defeated the Pioneers in three sets to grab the first win of the match for Bob Jones. Hannah Prince and Caroline Smith also forced a third set where they would pick up the second win for the team in the Bruins 3-2 loss to the Pioneers.
Following today's games, Coach Schlichting said "I want to give a shout-out to all of the fans who came to support us and cheer us on, and I'm hopeful that we will finish strong in our final matches next week."
After today, the Bruins sit 3-10 on the season. The Bruins will close out their inaugural season next weekend in Pinehurst, North Carolina where they will see Spartanburg Methodist College again as well as face off against Sandhills Community College and Richard Bland College.
