The Bob Jones University volleyball team wrapped up their time at the Welch College tournament with four back-to-back victories. The Bruins have extended their win streak to 10 games and have improved to a 15-8 record on the season.
"Competing this weekend against nationally ranked teams was a great opportunity for us to step up to the challenge, and we did just that," said Head Coach Vickie Denny. "The team played so well together and brought a tough defensive game along with our most productive offensive play this season. All the pieces were clicking to get us all four wins."
Following a big
3-0 late-night win over Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee on Thursday, the Bruins looked to remain hot as they prepared to face Grace Christian University as well as Manhattan Christian College on Friday.
The Grace Christian University Tigers kept it close with the Bruins through the first two sets, but BJU finished 25-16 and 25-22 to take the two set lead. Looking to close out the game in the third set, the Bruins got out to a quick 14-2 lead. They then went on an eight point run to reach match point at 24-7. A kill by Hannah Goodwin sealed the win as the Bruins swept the Tigers 3-0.
After a brief break, the Bruins were back on the court to face Manhattan Christian University. The Thunder entered the contest as the #1 team in the NCCAA DII. The two programs met last year in the NCCAA National Championships where the Bruins finished on top 3-0 to take the national title. As the game got underway it was a close contest, but the Bruins finished ahead 25-20 to take the set one win. After the Thunder tied the match 1-1 after set two, the Bruins worked to finish the last two sets 25-22 and 25-20 to take down the top-ranked Thunder.
Hannah Goodwin finished the match against Manhattan Christian University with a career best 28 kills to set a new program for the Bruins.
On Saturday, the Bruins wrapped up the tournament with a first-ever meeting against UC-Clermont. The Bruins closed out set one on a five point run to lead 25-15. Set two saw Bob Jones on top 7-2 early. They continued to hold on to their lead, and a kill by Hannah Goodwin finished the second set 25-17 for the Bruins. In set three, the Bruins pulled ahead to a 10 point advantage as they worked to secure the sweep. Back-to-back kills by Stefanie Burke put the Bruins in the win column over the Cougars.
The Bruins concluded their time in Tennessee with four straight wins to make their way back to Greenville with a 15-8 record. Up next, the Bruins will travel to Rock Hill, South Carolina to face Clinton College on Thursday, October 3.
