Bruins volleyball was back on the road this afternoon to take on Tennessee Wesleyan University and Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia. The Bruins went into the pair of matches with a season record of 15-2. Their first match was played against the TWU Bulldogs and they would finish the evening playing the TMU Bears.
The Bruins went into the first match on a high from the previous night after a sweep against rival Pensacola Christian College. The momentum they had carried them right through the first match with ease. Both Katherine Hoopes and Victoria Glaze played spectacular against the Bulldogs recording a combined 22 points. Additionally, Timbre Cruz contributed with 18 digs. The Bruins swept the Bulldogs swiftly 25-14, 25-18, and 25-14.
"Having two NAIA programs today was a good level of competition. Tennessee Wesleyan was a better program than their record and it was a good way to win the first match of the day," said Head Coach Vickie Denny.
When the Bruins got to their second match of the day against the TMU Bears, they realized it was going to be a little more challenging. During the first set, the Bruins had a good handle on everything. The set went back and forth against the tough NAIA opponent. Keeping it close the whole first set, they just couldn't quite hold it together and dropped it 23-25.
During the second set, the Bears took an early 12-2 lead over the Bruins. Eden Swihart served up some heat to bring them right back into it. It wouldn't be enough to hold the Bears. The Bruins let another set slip 20-25 and fell to 0-2 in the match. The Bears had all the momentum and they made quick work in the third set. The final set quickly slipped away from the Bruinsa as they dropped set three 13-25.
"TMU is a solid program and we had the opportunity to take the first set but fell short," commented Coach Denny. "We have not been pushed much this season so having a match like this one is good."Â
Players Timbre Cruz, Victoria Glaze, and Faith Blalock stated, "Truett McConnell pushed us and it was a great learning experience. This game will help us in the long run and has shown what we need to work on as a team as we head into the second half of our season."
Up next, the Bruins will be home for a couple matches. First, they will be home playing Johnson and Wales University on Tuesday, October 3rd and then on Thursday, October 5th, the Bruins will be facing the Warren Wilson Owls. Make sure to check back here at
BJUbruins.com for all the action.
 Â
