The Bob Jones University women's volleyball team wrapped up their weekend in Florida at the NCCAA South Region Kickoff with back-to-back losses against Ohio Christian University and Pensacola Christian College. With today's results, the Bruins now sit at 2-9 overall and 1-2 in region play.
After going 1-1 in Friday's opening NCCAA South Region Kickoff, the Bruins opened Saturday's contests with a match against Ohio Christian University.
In the opening set against the Trailblazers, the Bruins struggled to find their rhythm and were soon trailing by double digits. The team worked to cut down the deficit, but they dropped the set 25-15.
With a quick reset, the Bruins came out strong in set two. Back-to-back aces by Sophia Mukenschnabl kick started an 11-1 scoring run by the Bruins. The Trailblazers slowly worked their way back into the match and tied the game 16-16. BJU to back the advantage 21-18, but late errors by the Bruins saw the Trailblazers take the second set 27-25.
In the third set, the Bruins and Trailblazers kept the score close as two programs worked for each point. The Bruins found themselves down by one point before the Trailblazers went on a 6-1 run to take a late lead. OCU soon closed out the game 25-18 over the Bruins.
After a brief break, the Bruins were back on the court against region rivals, Pensacola Christian College. Each team got a point on the board before the Bruins scored five straight to take the early lead. As the game continued, the Bruins continued to hold onto their five-point advantage. The Eagles came back to cut the deficit to one at 17-16. The Bruins went on a run and soon saw themselves needing the set point at 24-19, but PCC didn't let off the pressure. In the end, the Bruins picked up the first set win 25-23.
The Bruins led 4-2 early in the second set before the Eagles' 10-1 run. PCC soon pulled ahead to a double digit lead. Their advantage held throughout the set, and they tied the match 1-1 with a 25-12 set win.
PCC gained a double digit advantage early in the third frame. While the Bruins worked to stay in the game, the Eagles closed out the set with another 25-12 win.
In the fourth set, with the Eagles leading, the Bruins battled to close the gap. They worked to keep it close, but the Eagles wrapped up the final set 25-19 to win it 3-1.
"The drive and determination we had today was the best all season," said Head Coach Anthony Bennett. "We played two very competitive, well-rounded teams, and we competed well. The girls gave 100% this weekend and left their hearts on the court, and we're so proud of them. They responded well to the loud crowd and the pressure of the situation we were put in, despite being down to seven players."
"We know some of the important fixes we need to make, and are excited about the opportunity to see the teams we saw this weekend throughout the remainder of the year. We're looking forward to being in front of our home crowd the next couple weeks!"
Up next, the Bruins are back in the Davis Field House for a mid-week matchup against Spartanburg Methodist College.
