The Lady Lions dominated early, but almost dropped a sure victory against the scrappy Crusaders
Senior MB Kim Barlow led Bryan College to a 3-2 win over Tennessee Temple before a large crowd Friday night during Bryan’s Homecoming match.
Barlow tallied her second 30-kill game in as many weeks, finishing the match with 30 kills, .480 pct, with 6 solo blocks and 3 assisted blocks.
Bryan had complete control of the match in games 1-2, running their offense efficiently as they coasted to 30-16, 30-17 wins. The Lions led by 17 points at one time in game 2. The quick-attack of Barlow and Robin Renfroe was almost unstoppable, but it was the team blocking that had Temple on the brink in the early games.
Heading into game 3, Coach Sayles tried a different lineup which would allow him to give much-needed minutes to reserves. The tactic worked against the Lions, and they lost all momentum, giving up a 20-30 game to the visiting Crusaders. Sensing new life, the Crusaders stayed close in game 4 as Bryan struggled to find the same rhythm they had displayed early in the match. The teams were tied several times as the Lions mis-fired time and again, taking away several chances to run against Temple. The Lions had game point at 29 and 32, but missed crucial serves, allowing Temple to hang on and pull out a 36-34 win.
The Crusaders were the ones in control at the beginning of game 5, tallying 4 quick points before the Lions could respond. At the side-change, Temple led 8-4, but the Lions began to settle down and picked away at the lead. Temple led 10-7 when Bryan’s Barlow and Abby Humphrey took over the game. Barlow had a block and 2 kills, while Humphrey tallied a kill, service ace, and 2 crucial digs to lead a Lions charge, giving them the lead and game point at 14-10. Another missed serve gave Temple the ball and a new chance, but Robin Renfroe came up with a big dig, which led to a game-winning termination by Barlow.
Renfroe, starting in only her 3rd match since suffering an ankle injury Aug. 30, was a major contributor in the match, with 17 kills, 5 blocks, and 12 digs. Setter Kathryn Rawley finished with a career-best 56 assists, along with 18 digs and 3 kills. OH Abby Humphrey tallied 19 kills, 17 digs, and 4 service aces in a solid all-around performance, while libero Christine Pratt led the defense with 27 digs.
“Well, I guess this team wants to be known as a team that can win in 5,” commented Coach Sayles. “We had such control early on that I felt comfortable playing my reserves in game 3. Temple responded, though, and then hung tough. We had three big hitters tonight, and the Temple players found a way to dig up a lot of hard shots in games 3-4. They almost snuck out of here with a win because they are so scrappy. We almost didn’t settle down in time to take control of the match in the end. I’m just pleased we got out with a win tonight!”
Bryan, now 9-12 overall (4-6 in conference) returns to conference play at 7 p.m. Tuesday night with a crucial match against cross-town rival Covenant at Bryan.