Beach season is back as the Bruins made their way to Due West, South Carolina Saturday morning to face Erskine College in a preseason scrimmage. As the Bruins have added several players new to the beach game, today was a great learning experience as BJU fell 4-1 in the morning match.
"It was a beautiful day for our first scrimmage of the season," said Head Coach Vickie Denny. "It started off a little cold but as the sun started to shine it warmed up quickly. We went up against a solid NCAA Division II beach program in Erskine. With 28 people on their roster, they had lots of different options. I am pleased with how our team continues to work hard and improve each day."
The Bruins and Flying Fleet got off to an early start as today's scrimmage began at 10 a.m. It was a strong start for Erskine as they were able to win the first set of each match. Andrea Villaverde and Maddy Goldstrom battled back in set two to pull out the 21-10 win for the Bruins. It came down to the final set where the pair from BJU finished with the 15-9 win to take the match. Villaverde and Goldstrom were the only duo to come away with the win in the morning competition.
After a brief break and some regrouping, the two programs were back on the same for some additional game play where Erskine swept the Bruins.
"This was our next step," said Denny. "This scrimmage day helped us see our weaknesses, and now we have four practices to get better before our next preseason event. With several players new to the beach game, today was a great learning experience for us."
The preseason continues for the Bruins next Saturday as the Bruins travel to Rome, Georgia to face Tennessee Tech University and Berry College.
BJU vs Erskine College | 4-1
- Emma Riddle & Timbre Cruz (21-12 EC, 21-10 EC)
- Faith Blalock & Sophia Vosburgh (21-8 EC, 21-11 EC)
- Emily Lewis & Anne Lloyd (21-13 EC, 21-9 EC)
- Holly Taylor & Anna Fleming (21-8 EC, 21-12 EC)
- Andrea Villaverde & Maddy Goldstrom (21-13 EC, 21-10 BJU, 15-9 BJU)
- Elisabeth Fickel & Brynn Lytell (21-13 EC, 21-18 EC)
