Bryan downs Wesleyan in 3
The Bryan College volleyball team traveled to Tennessee Wesleyan College, and were not good houseguests, as they held off the host team in 3 games, 30-27, 30-19, 30-22.
The Bulldogs stayed within striking distance in game one, taking one-point leads several times during the match. Tough serving kept the Lions from executing well, but they were able to hold on to a slim lead despite a late charge from Wesleyan, winning by three. The Lions cruised in game two, behind Robin Renfroe’s 7 kills and steady team serving. The Bulldogs fought back in game three, taking an early 8-4 lead before the Lions begin to chip away at the lead, finally catching the host team at 14-14. The Lions stepped up their game, totaling 16 team kills with only two errors in the last game, and pulled away for the 30-22 victory.
Abby Humphrey had one of her best showings of the season (12 kills, .391 hitting percentage), while Robin Renfroe continues to be unstoppable in the middle, hitting .429 with 10 kills and 2 blocks. Amber Smith had another strong showing with 14 kills. Hannah Suits tallied 6 service aces, and combined for 38 assists with Jenny Loveday.
“This was a solid victory for us,” commented Bryan’s Coach Leo Sayles. “I asked the girls what did they have to prove before the match started. When no one had a ready answer, I told them that winning teams always step on the floor with something to prove. The girls got the point and put forth a strong effort offensively. Wesleyan gave us some trouble in serve-receive, but the players scrambled, hustled on defense, and still had a solid offensive effort tonight. It was good to see our offense working so efficiently again.”
Bryan continues to hold onto the second spot in the Appalachian Athletic Conference, with a slim ½ game lead over Virginia Intermont College. The Lions host UVA-Wise Friday at 7:00 p.m., then host Bluefield College Saturday in a 3:00 p.m. match.