Bryan Loses to Union in 5, Beats Bluefield in 4
October 9, 2004
The Bryan College Volleyball team went 1-1 Saturday against AAC conference foes Union College and Bluefield College.
In the morning match, the Lady Lions hoped to avenge a 5-game loss to Union in Kentucky earlier this season. Unfortunately, Union was again able to outlast the Lady Lions in 5 games ( 32 - 30, 21- 30, 20 - 30, 30 - 23, 14 - 16). The match was well - played on both sides of the net. After fighting back to pull out game one, Bryan dropped games 2 and 3, and appeared on the verge of a loss in four games. The Lions responded well in game 4, seizing control and not relinquishing it in their 30-23 win. Game 5 was a repeat of the first game, with no more than a point separating both teams throughout the match. The Bulldogs outlasted the Lady Lions, though, despite great effort from the players.
Abby Humphrey had a season-high 21 Kills and 5 blocks. Rebecca Rusch recorded another double-double, with 13 kills and 19 digs. Kim Barlow was solid in the middle, hitting .256 with 16 kills. Randi Mellon had another big setting game, with 54 assists, 18 digs, 5 kills, and 1 ace.
<>Coach Leo Sayles said, "We played with good intensity in the first game, then once again seemed to settle into a rut in games two and three. I had to really challenge them between games 3 and 4, and they responded well. We just can't seem to put Union away. This is the second time we could not quite finish against them. Our two teams are equally-matched, but they seem to be able to find just a little more reserve than we can. I hope we face off against them again in conference playoffs. I believe we can turn the corner with them if we see them again this season."Bryan Won the afternoon game against Bluefield College in 4 (30-14, 25-30, 30-21, 30-23).
The Lions, slowed by slight injuries to starters Catherine Strode and Kim Barlow, used their entire bench to complete their weekend run. Freshman Christy Maraman came in and had 7 kills to help the Lions. Both Middles played well for Bryan. Abby Humphrey tallied 13 kills, 6 aces, and 1 block, while Kim Barlow totaled 13 kills and 4 blocks. Randi Mellon had 46 assists, 7 kills, 5 aces, and 11 digs to pace the Lions. Bryan is now 6-6 in conference, 7-7 overall.
"Every game matters now," said Coach Sayles. "To be at .500 your first season as a head coach is not bad. We know that our record would be different had we been healthy all season. We are seeing good improvement, and have found a good lineup. Next week will be a good opportunity for us to play three straight matches with very good teams. Hopefully, it will give us momentum to finish our regular season and position us in a good spot for playoffs in November."
The Lions will take a break for the first of the week, then travel to Chicago to play in a tournament at Olivet Nazarene University October 15-16.