Bryan Dominates at Homecoming

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October 1, 2004

The Lady Lions put forth their best match of the season Friday night to defeat rival Covenant College in three games (30-25, 30-28, 30-21) before a full house during Homecoming weekend. Students, parents, and alumni come out in full force to cheer the Lions on to victory against the #7 team in NAIA Region 12. The return of senior OH Catherine Strode was an extra boost to Bryan, and the leadership of senior Captain Randi Mellon carried the team for the sweep. The Lady Lions build an early run in game 1, taking the lead 10-5 before Covenant coach Krista Steere called a time-out. The Scots battled back to pull close at 14-12, but solid backrow play by Rebecca Rusch, libero Christine Pratt, and Catherine Strode allowed the Lady Lions to build the lead back to 5, which they maintained until the end.

Game two was much tighter, with ties at 8-8, 26-26, and 28-28 before the Lions were able to put the game away. The Lady Lions never trailed in game three.

"This was entirely a team effort tonight," said Coach Sayles. "The crowd electrified the players, and would not let them lose. We are so appreciative of our fans. They were just tremendous tonight."

Randi Mellon finished the night with 32 assists and 9 digs. Senior OH Rebecca Rusch continued her string of double-doubles tonight, with 11 kills, 11 digs, and 1 block. Kim Barlow was as consistent as always, with 10 kills. Barlow has been in double figures in the kill column in 9 out of the Lions' 10 matches this season.

The Lady Lions are now 6-4 overall, 5-4 in conference play. The Scots fall to 7-7 overall, 6-2 in conference play. Bryan plays four matches next week: Tuesday night, the team travels to Pulaski, Tn. to take on Martin Methodist University, currently ranked #4 in NAIA Region 11. Friday night, the Lady Lions look for revenge at home against Univ. of VA-Wise. The Lions play Union College of Kentucky Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m, hoping to undo an early season setback in 5 games. Bryan will close the weekend with a 3:30 match against Bluefield College at home. Coach Sayles hopes the community and local schools teams will come out and support the team next weekend, since the college will close for Fall Break on Friday.

Upcoming games:
Bryan will play away at Martin Methodist University on Tuesday, October 5,2004 at 7:00pm.