In their final tournament of the season in Pinehurst, North Carolina, the Bruins beach volleyball team split day one as they started the day with a loss to Spartanburg Methodist College before sweeping Sandhills Community College. After today's matches, the Bruins are 4-11 on the season.
"We have to remind ourselves that we are a young team," said Head Coach Vickie Denny. "We only have three players who have ever competed on the sand before and the team is learning as they are playing. Being a young team, we play like it and there are times when we do things well and look good and other instances when we can't score a point or get the close win. While frustrating at times, this beach game is a great teacher of character and reveals who has the heart and grit to push through regardless of the scoreboard. I am pleased with how our team has responded throughout the spring and fought hard to the very last point regardless of the score."
The first duel of the day came against a familiar foe in Spartanburg Methodist College. The Bruins and Pioneers had met twice before with Bob Jones falling 3-2 in both of the previous meetings. Unable to field 10 players, the Pioneers had to forfeit a game giving the Bruins a 1-0 advantage. Hannah Prince and Caroline Smith pulled out the win in two sets going 21-14 and 21-18. With the other two pairs dropping their matches, the Bruins had one more opportunity for a victory. Emma Riddle and Eden Swihart were the final game for the first duel and saw themselves down after their first set. They fought back to win their second set in a tight 22-20 win. As the third game got underway, the pair would see themselves down early. They continued to battle but ultimately fell seeing Spartanburg Methodist grab the 3-2 match win.
After a quick break and a few pair switches, the Bruins were back on the sand; this time against Sandhills Community College. The Bruins responded well after their loss against SMC. As pairs found their rhythm, each team won in straight sets to sweep the Flyers 5-0.
"Tomorrow is our last official day of our inaugural season. We are looking forward to one last opportunity to compete," said Coach Denny.
The team will have the evening to rest before they are back for two more duels Saturday morning.
BJU vs Spartanburg Methodist College - 2-3
Camila Silva & Timbre Cruz: 19-21,15-21 (loss)
Emma Riddle & Eden Swihart: 14-21, 22-20, 7-15 (loss)
Caroline Smith & Hannah Smith: 21-14, 21-18 (win)
Katelyn Landkrohn & Faith Blalock: 18-21, 17-21 (loss)
Andrea V & Caitlyn Benson: SMC forfeit (win)
BJU vs Sandhills Community College - 5-0
Eden Swihart & Camila Silva: 21-19, 21-15 (win)
Emma Riddle & Timbre Cruz: 21-15, 21-15 (win)
Caroline Smith & Hannah Smith: 21-16, 21-17 (win)
Katelyn Landkrohn & Faith Blalock: 21-9, 21-12 (win)
Andrea Villaverde & Caitlyn Benson: 21-17, 21-8 (win)
