On the court with a limited roster, the Bob Jones Unviersity Bruins fell 3-2 in a five-set competition against Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina Tuesday evening. With today's result, the Bruins now sit at 4-6 on the season.
"I am extremely proud of how several freshmen stepped up and played different positions to help us with a limited roster tonight," said Head Coach Vickie Denny. "Brevard is a good team and we battled to the very last point. While disappointed we didn't win this one, it was a match filled with lots of different learning opportunities that will pay off as we get into the heart of our season. Our freshmen are getting better with each match and with the core of returners we have, the best is yet to come."
Tuesday's game marked the eighth meeting between the two teams. After today's loss, the series is now 7-1 in favor of the Bruins.
The Tornados got off a fast 5-0 lead with several early errors by Bob Jones. The Bruins regrouped and began pulling back. Elyse Vest went to the service line and recorded three aces in four attempts to tie the game at 16 all. BJU saw their first lead of the night at 18-17. The two programs battled back and forth, but in the end it was Brevard who pulled out the set one win 25-22.
Both teams exchanged points early in set two until the Bruins went on a four point run to put them ahead 12-9. Brevard got within one at 20-19, but Bob Jones scored five straight to end the second set and tie the match.
Similar to set one, the Tornados scored four straight before the Bruins responded with three of their own. Brevard pulled ahead to a seven point 12-5 lead. The Tornados maintained their lead, but the Bruins picked up the intensity and looked to close the gap at 22-17 but three straight points by Brevard closed out set three 25-17.
The Bruins evened the match with a set four win to force a fifth set.
It was a back-and-forth effort to start the final set. Brevard eventually took a slight 10-7 lead. With match point on the line at 14-12, the Bruins rallied to even the score at 14-14. Back-to-back kills by Tornados sealed the deal as Brevard College took the set 16-14 to win 3-2.
Hannah Goodwin led the Bruins with a season-high 21 kills on the night. Faith Blalock recorded 20 digs and 17 kills through five sets.
Up next the Bruins are back home at the Davis Field House where they will host seven teams for a two-day BJU Invitational tour in Greenville, South Carolina.
