On the road in Dallas, North Carolina, the Bruins beach volleyball team won both of their duals 5-0 and 4-1 Wednesday afternoon against Gaston College. With today's victories, the Bruins have improved to 4-9 on the season.

"Getting two big wins today was such a step forward for our young team," said Head Coach Vickie Denny. "The players have worked hard to improve, and we are now reaping on those efforts."

Looking at today's opponent, Coach Denny said that "Gaston College showed improvement from the last time we faced them and there were some great battles among the pairs competing all day long."

The Bruins made the trip to Gaston College Wednesday afternoon to face the Rhinos for a doubleheader dual. The two teams met back on March 14 where the Bruins pulled out the 4-1 win. 

On the brand new sand volleyball courts, pairs #2 and #4 got the first dual started. Both pairings pulled out wins in straight sets to put the Bruins ahead 2-0 as the final three pairs took to the sand. While the Rhinos battled, it was the Bruins who pulled out the 5-0 sweep over Gaston College in the first dual of the afternoon. 

After a quick break, the two teams were back at it for their second contest. The #5 paring of Holly Taylor and Emily Lewis secured the first win for the Bruins followed by another 2-0 match win for the #2's of Andrea Villaverde and Faith Blalock. 

A nail biter from Maddy Goldstrom and Anne Lloyd was a highlight game today. After taking their game to set three and being down 9-13, the two rallied to win 16-14 securing the second team dual win for the day. 

On court one, Timbre Cruz and Emma Riddle battled but ultimately fell in their third set against the #1 pair for the Rhinos. The final matchup of the day saw Anna Fleming and Sophia Vosburgh on the court. The #3 pair went to a three set contest, but the two pulled out the 15-11 win to contribute to BJU's 4-1 team victory. 

Up next, the Bruins are back at the Upward Star Center for duals on Friday and Saturday against Spartanburg Methodist College and Sandhills Community College. With only three days of duals remaining this season, the Bruins look to finish the 2023 season strong. 

BJU Bruins, 5 | Gaston College, 0

1. Emma Riddle & Timbre Cruz (21-17 BJU, 21-16 BJU)
2. Andrea Villaverde & Faith Blalock (21-12 BJU, 21-9 BJU)
3. Sophia Vosburgh & Anna Fleming (21-8 BJU, 21-15 BJU)
4. Anne Lloyd & Maddy Goldstrom (21-19 BJU, 21-10 BJU)
5. Emily Lewis & Holly Taylor (21-14 BJU, 21-14 BJU)

BJU Bruins, 4 | Gaston College, 1

1. Emma Riddle & Timbre Cruz (21-18 BJU, 22-20 GC, 15-8 GC)
2. Andrea Villaverde & Faith Blalock (21-13 BJU, 21-11 BJU)
3. Sophia Vosburgh & Anna Fleming (25-23 GC, 21-18 BJU, 15-11 BJU)
4. Anne Lloyd & Maddy Goldstrom (21-16 GC, 21-14 BJU, 16-14 BJU)
5. Emily Lewis & Holly Taylor (21-11 BJU, 21-8 BJU)

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