The Bruins volleyball team finished the opening day of the NCCAA South Region Kickoff tournament in Pensacola, Florida 1-1. After falling to Baptist University of Florida 3-0, the Bruins swept Trinity College of Jacksonville in straight sets to split the day. With today's results, the Bruins now sit at 2-7 on the season and 1-1 in conference play.
As game one against Baptist University of Florida got underway, the BUF Eagles pulled to an early 6-2 lead. But the Bruins responded and took advantage of mistakes by the Eagles to even the score at six. BUF made little runs throughout the opening set to slowly push themselves ahead in the score and wrapped up the first set with the 25-19 win.
After the Eagles opened the second set 4-1, the Bruins went on a six point spree to regain the lead. Throughout the middle part of the set, the Bruins and Eagles battled to keep the score close. BUF soon pulled to a 20-16 lead. The Bruins worked to cut the deficit to a couple of points, but the Eagles took the final points and came out on top 25-19 in set two.
The Bruins struggled in the third frame and quickly found themselves in a 10 point hole. Despite working to pick up points, it wasn't enough as they fell in the final set 25-14, dropping their first region game of the season 3-0 to BUF.
Following a brief break, the Bruins were back on the court for their second region game of the day against Trinity College of Jacksonville. Some early kills by the Bruins pushed them to a 6-2 lead over the TCJ Eagles. The advantage continued to hold, and the Bruins soon found themselves with an 11 point lead. They closed out the opening set on top 25-13.
In the middle frame, the Bruins pulled out to a 6-0 lead. After four straight points by the Eagles, the two programs exchanged points. With the Bruins ahead 16-11, the team closed out the set on a 9-0 run to take the 2-0 match lead.
The Bruins continued to dominate and led throughout the entire final set to win it all 25-16.
"The team was super excited to pick up a win today," said Coach Anthony Bennett. "We had to run a new lineup with one of our players injured and had to make a few adjustments, and the team responded really well. Our first game could've definitely been better, but our response in the second match was exactly what we have been looking for this season. We really need to embrace the energy and loudness of the gym tomorrow, and let the competition push us to be better!"
Tomorrow, the Bruins are back in action for two more games. At 1 p.m. the team will face off against Ohio Christian University before a 3 p.m. contest against Pensacola Christian College.
