The Bruins were back on the sand for another tough day of competition as the beach volleyball team fell in both of their Saturday duals in Cleveland, Georgia. Bob Jones fell 4-1 in their first dual of the day to Loyola University: La. before Truett McConnell University took all five matches in their afternoon contest. With today's results, the Bruins now sit at 0-8 on the season.
"Today was another challenging day on the sand for the team. While results were similar to last week, this team is learning and getting better with each match played," said Head Coach Vickie Denny. "Today we came to compete and we did that."
In the first dual of the day, pair #2 of Faith Blalock and Andrea Villaverde won in straight sets to pick up . Two other pairs played well to force a third set, but it was Loyola University: La. who came out ahead to take the 4-1 victory in their first ever meeting between the two programs.
After a quick break, the Bruins were back to face Truett McConnell University. Against the host, the team again pushed two matches to a third set. The Bruins battled for their first win of the season and their first win against the Bears, who they faced three times last season, but Truett McConnell took all five matches to get the 5-0 win.
Throughout both duals, Emma Riddle and Timbre Cruz went to three sets for a strong day for the #1 pair.
"We are now at the place of our season where we expect to start winning some of these close games," said Coach Denny. "We are looking forward to our first home matches on Tuesday."
Up next, the Bruins will host Gaston College and Spartanburg Methodist College on Tuesday, March 14 in their first home game of the season. Home games this season will be played at the Upwards Center beach courts in Spartanburg. The first game on Tuesday is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Bob Jones 1 , Loyola 4
1. #14 M. Corrall/ #8 K. Emuhueil (LOY) def #5 E. Riddle/ #9 T. Cruz (BJU) 21-16, 17-21, 15-13
2. . #4 A. Vilaverde/ #7 F. Blalock (BJU) def. #12 P. Bosewell/ #15 J. Petruzelli (LOY) 22-20, 21-19
3. #3 B. Cooper/ #18 I. Samantha (LOY) def. #1 K. Landkrohn/ #6 S. Vosburgh (BJU) 21-13, 21-9
4. #7 E. Prado/#6 G. Masiello (LOY) def. #2 A. Fleming/ #11 E. Lewis (BJU) 21-7, 21-13
5. #11 K. Martinez/ #17 S. Emily (LOY) def. #10 H. Taylor/ #13 M. Goldstrom (BJU) 21-11, 19-21, 15-9
EXHIBITION MATCH: 6. #4 N. Burkholder/ #13 S. Love (LOY) def. #14 F. Elisabeth / #8 B. Lytell (BJU) 21-9, 21-16
Bob Jones 0, Truett McConnell 5
1. #15 Sonya Silecky/ #10 L. Bowen (TMU) def. #5 E. Riddle/ #9 T. Cruz (BJU) 17-21, 21-19,15-11
2. #2 D. Valmus/ #7 J. Robert def. #1 K. Landkrohn/ #7 F. Blalock (BJU) 21-12, 21-17
3. #11 K. Williams/ #14 M. Dunn (TMU) def. #4 A. Villaverde/ #11 E. Lewis (BJU) 21-8, 21-16
4. #3 A. Davis/ #6 M. Hoyt (TMU) def. #2 A. Fleming/ #6 S. Vosburgh (BJU) 18-21, 21-15, 15-7
5. #1 C. Godfrey/#13 B. Brock (TMU) def. #10 H. Taylor/ #13 M. Goldstrom (BJU) 21-8, 21-14
EXHIBITION MATCH: 6. #12 M. Boggs/ #4 E. Franklin (TMU) def. #14 E. Fickel / #8 B. Lytell (BJU) 21-12, 21-18
