The weekend concludes with the Bruins splitting on Saturday. In their first match, they took on the Salem College Spirits in a thrilling five-set match (25-13, 29-27, 23-25, 18-25, 15-17). After going up 2-0 on the Spirits, the Bruins fell in three close sets. With the wind knocked out of their sails, the Bruins picked up the pieces and went right back to work to take on Pfeiffer University. The Bruins finished the weekend strong by getting back into the win column by beating the Falcons in straight sets (25-19, 25-16, 25-12).
The Bruins started off strong against the Salem Spirits winning the first set dominantly. The second set was much more competitive as it went into extra points. Each team traded points until the Bruins were able to pull ahead by the two points needed for the set victory. In another close set, the Bruins fell behind late and it cost them as the Spirits won their first set of the match. Struggling the rest of the match, the Bruins dropped the fourth set and then traded points back and forth in the fifth set.
"The match against Salem was a great battle. After a rather easy first set, they came back strong and we barely took the second. It seemed like the momentum shifted after set 3 and it wasn't until set five where we stepped it up and played well," said Head Coach Vickie Denny. Â "It's one of those matches that could have gone either way and in the end, we just came up a bit short. I am extremely proud of how our team responded in set five and improved their play to make for a very exciting and intense fifth set."
Following the exciting five-set match, the Bruins took a short break before getting right back to the action against Pfeiffer University. The Bruins made quick work of the Falcons beating them in straight sets with each set getting shorter. Timbre Cruz led the Bruins during the match with seven kills, five aces, and five digs. The win over Pfeiffer improved the Bruins record to 27-5 this season.
"After a tough 5 set match we had a quick 30 minute turn around before facing Pfeiffer. We did a good job with ball control and limited making many unforced errors," Coach Denny commented. "In the end this was a tough weekend with four good matches. We continue to grow and learn and we are looking forward to next week's matches. All at home!!!"
The Bruins have one match remaining for their regular season. In a match against Piedmont University, the Bruins will defend their home court and honor their graduating seniors on Tuesday, October 31.
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