The Bob Jones University Bruins opened the 2026 volleyball season on Saturday with a pair of matches facing Truett McConnell University and Point University in a season-opening tri-match. The Bruins dropped their first game of the day 3-0 over Truett McConnell before falling in four sets to Point University.
As game one against Truett McConnell got underway, the Bruins kept pace before the Bears went on a five point run to extend their lead 14-6. While the Bruins tried to claw their way back, the Bears sealed their first set win 25-13.
After Truett McConnell got off to a 7-1 start in set two, the Bruins took advantage of several errors by the Bears to close the gap. Truett McConnell went on another scoring spree to reach set point 24-9. The Bruins didn't back down and scored seven straight points before TMU secured the set two win 25-17.
It was an exciting third set as the Bruins fought to stay in the game. An ace by Addison Monroe tied the game at 22 apiece, but errors by the Bruins allowed the Bears to take the set 25-22 and take the 3-0 match win.
Following a brief break, the Bruins were back on the court to face off against Point University. Paige Altizer got the opening point for the Bruins with an ace. The Bruins pulled ahead to an early 5-2 lead before the Skyhawks came back to lead 12-9. The lead flipped a few more times before Point closed out the opening set on top 25-20.
The Bruins struggled in the second set as the Skyhawks soared to a 2-0 match lead. In set three, the Bruins regrouped and kept the contest close as the two teams battled it out. Late in the set, the Bruins went on a 7-2 run to take the 19-13 advantage. Point worked to cut the lead, but the Bruins recorded the final three points of the game to take the win 25-20.
In the fourth set, the Bruins and Skyhawks tied the game at five points each before Point went on a ten point run. The Bruins struggled in the end and Point University took the final points to win the match 3-1.
Following today's contests, Coach Anthony Bennett said, "we were super proud of the girls' mental resiliency throughout the day. We battled against very tough competition with only seven players and found a way to continue fighting no matter what. There's a lot for us to learn from today's matches and a lot of encouraging aspects of our game to build on as we prepare to see TMU again in a couple weeks!"
With the opening matches under their belt, BJU will look to build from today's experience as the season continues. Up next, the Bruins will take a short trip to Spartanburg for a Tuesday night tilt against Spartanburg Methodist College. The full 2026 schedule can be found
here.
