Tuesday night, Bryan College defeated Covenant College at Covenant 3-1

October 26, 2004

Match Scores

Freshman Laura Dickey received her first start at middle blocker for Bryan, replacing injured senior starter Kim Barlow, out with a hand injury.

Dickey gave a big lift to the Lady Lions with 4 key kills and 3 blocks. Abby Humphrey had a double-double night, with 13 kills and 21 digs. Captain Randi Mellon paced the Lions with 29 assists, 9 kills, 9 digs, and 2 aces.

After a slow start, the Lions took control of game 1 after an 8-0 run tied the match at 13. Bryan kept momentum of that game, but Covenant responded with a solid game two, coming from down 27-22 to surge to a 31-29 win. Game 3 stayed close throughout the match, but Bryan prevailed with solid defensive play.

In game 4, the Lions put up a big front, with Dickey and Humphrey controlling the middle with key blocking and attacks. Humphrey tallied 7 big kills in the fourth game.

"We made a key change to our defensive alignment that is allowing us to dig short balls more effectively, and our blocking has improved steadily throughout the season. I was a little concerned having Kim Barlow on the bench, since she is our team leader in kills, attack percentage, and blocks. But Abby has been playing very well the past few weeks, and Laura Dickey played much better throughout the match as she built confidence in herself. This was a team effort," said Coach Sayles.

Injury Report

Senior MB Kim Barlow, team leader in kills, kill percentage, and blocks, is out for the remainder of the season. Barlow underwent surgery on her right ring finger. The surgeons inserted a pin to bring healing to her broken finger. Barlow's presence on the floor will be sorely missed by the Lady Lions.