The Bob Jones University women's volleyball team wrapped up their time at the Cougar Classic in Danville, VIrginia with losses to Averett University and William Peace University. With today's results, the Bruins sit a 1-3 on the season.

"We were so excited to start our season against some solid NCAA DIII teams this weekend, and we are thankful that Averett University invites us to their competitive Cougar Classic each year," said Head Coach Christa Schlichting. "Today the team battled to the very last point against two solid programs. I am proud of how the team competed this weekend and hope to carry this momentum right into our home matches this upcoming week."

The Bruins entered day two of the Cougar Classic having split Friday's competition with a 3-2 win over Methodist University before a 3-1 loss to Roanoke College.

Elyse Vest opened the scoring with an ace and the Bruins quickly pulled to a 5-1 lead. The Cougars tied it up and the two programs continued to exchange points. Back-to-back kills by Bethany Estell put the Bruins ahead by two before an ace by Vest extended their lead by three points. Lyndsey Cassell's kill sealed the set one victory 25-21 over the host program. 

In the second set, Avertt pulled ahead early to bring BJU to a timeout where they were able to capitalize and earn several key points to cut down the deficit. Some strong defensive blocks helped pull the Bruins close the gap once again. The Cougars held off a late set rally by the Bruins to take a close set two 25-23.

The third set started out close before the Cougars pulled ahead to a seven point 20-13 advantage. Once again, the Bruins worked to claw their way back but were unable to complete the comeback as Averett took the 2-1 set lead.

Set four began with five straight points for Bob Jones.  After tying the game 9-9, Averett pulled ahead to a slight lead. The Bruins clawed their way back and tied the game 22-22. Neither team gave an inch as each team fought for the final points of the set. After playing extra volleyball, the Cougars won set four 30-28 to win the match three sets to one. 

After a brief break, the team was back on the court to take on William Peace University. 

At the start of the first set, the Bruins and Pacers exchanged points until William Peace began to pull away. The Pacers maintained their lead and took the first set win 25-19. 

Early in set two, the Bruins recorded four straight points to lead the Pacers 7-4.  The Bruins fought back to tie the game at 16 points after the Pacers took the lead. It remained close through the rest of the set, but in the end it was William Peace with the two point 26-24 set win. 

Despite fatigue setting in, the Bruins played through the final point in the third set. Their late rally came up short as William Peace completed the sweep to win 3-0.

Up next, the Bruins are home for a home match on Wednesday in the Davis Field House before they host a weekend tournament on Friday and Saturday.