Bryan Extends Streak with win over Wesleyan: Loveday named AAC Setter of the Week

      Bryan College ’s volleyball team extended its win streak Sept. 19, to 6 with a 3-0 win (30-24, 30-23, 30-28) over visiting Tennessee Wesleyan.  The Lions, playing in their home gym for the first time this season, looked a little rusty on their home court, but kept the upper edge through the first two games, coming from behind to win the third.

      Strong serving from the Bulldogs and attack errors from the Lions kept the early portions of all three games close.  The Bulldogs built a 7-3 lead in game 1, but the Lions chipped away, catching Wesleyan at 15-15, then slowly pulling away.

      Game 2 started in a similar fashion, with similar results.  The Lions appeared to take the upper hand early in game 3, only to have the Bulldogs battle back and slowly take control.  Strong offensive play from Christy Cotter and OH Andreia Bonanno helped the Bulldogs build momentum, and they held a slim 2-point lead until the Lions woke up at 24-24.  Once again, momentum shifted, and the Lions finally clicked.  The two teams battled point for point, until at 26-27 Bradley Central product Hannah Suits served up 4 big service points, punctuated with kills by the hitting trio of Abby Humphrey, Amber Smith, and Robin Renfroe.  A hitting error by Wesleyan ended the game and match.

      Renfroe was almost perfect offensively for the Lions, with 11 kills, 1 error, and an unreal .769 hitting percentage. She also contributed on 4 blocks.  Although Humphrey struggled at the net, she still finished with 8 kills, 17 digs, and 4 aces.  Amber Smith had another steady night, finishing with 14 kills on .333 percentage.  Setter Jenny Loveday, named the AAC Setter of the week last week, shared setting duties as she recovers from her finger injury.  The setting tandem of Loveday (26 assists) and Suits (15 assists) kept the Bryan offense going. 

     The Lions continue their home schedule this week with three critical matches against Milligan College on Friday at 7:00 p.m., followed by AAC #1 King Saturday at 10:00 a.m, and AAC #2 Virginia Intermont College Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

      Jenny Loveday, the Lions’ freshman setter from Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tn , was selected the Appalachian Athletic Conference Setter of the Week for her accomplishments last week.  She led the Lions to a 3-0 sweep over UVA-Wise, then guided them to a 3-1 win over Bluefield . Against Wise, Loveday cranked up her offensive output by adding 5 kills and 2 aces to her 34 assists.  In the Bluefield match, Loveday injured her right index finger in a tough rally during the second game.  Despite the sprain, she continued to guide the Lions, with a  total 46 assists and served perfectly (27/27) through the match. She was 39/41 through the weekend from the serving line, and had 20 digs in the Bluefield match as well.
      Loveday is ranked #4 in the AAC in assists, and is ranked ninth in the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association.