Volleyball survives scare at Covenant: Renfroe Region Player of the Week
The Lady Lions traveled to Lookout Mountain Tuesday and escaped with a narrow 3-1 victory over the Scots (30-17, 30-18, 27-30, 30-27). The Lions, riding a 6-game win streak, appeared to have control of the match at the intermission after dominating in games one and two, silencing the Covenant supporters. However, a different Scots team emerged for game three and took the role of the aggressors, seizing control early. When Bryan’s Coach Leo Sayles called a time out down 5-2, the Covenant crowd was on its feet urging the Scots on. The Scots responded, and never relinquished the lead, despite the Lions efforts to tie up the game at 14-14. Game four was tightly fought throughout, with neither team leading by more than 2 until Bryan managed a quick 3-point run to pull ahead 25-20. The Scots continued to battle, and the Lions narrowly escaped a game 5 with the 30-27 win.
A relieved Lions team celebrated after the match. Coach Sayles commented, ‘We 
preached to the team all week that we needed to seize control early and try to nullify the Covenant crowd. This match is always big, regardless of team records, and I know this one was more of a pride issue. It is very difficult to defeat a team three times in a season, let alone trying to do so the third time on their home court. We played well early, and lost momentum at the break. But I won’t say we played poorly. The Scots put together two very solid games and gave us a good scare. Their record does not reflect their competitive spirit. I have nothing but respect for Coach Taylor, her staff, and her players, and enjoy the rivalry. This was another great match between our two sister schools.”
preached to the team all week that we needed to seize control early and try to nullify the Covenant crowd. This match is always big, regardless of team records, and I know this one was more of a pride issue. It is very difficult to defeat a team three times in a season, let alone trying to do so the third time on their home court. We played well early, and lost momentum at the break. But I won’t say we played poorly. The Scots put together two very solid games and gave us a good scare. Their record does not reflect their competitive spirit. I have nothing but respect for Coach Taylor, her staff, and her players, and enjoy the rivalry. This was another great match between our two sister schools.”Robin Renfroe continued to perform well in the middle, tallying 13 kills (.385 pct), 4 solo blocks and 4 assisted blocks. Hannah Suits was very strong at the setter position, distributing 25 assists and 3 aces. Brittany Carter (here in action against VIC)had a strong showing with 12 kills (.421 pct), and Amber Smith tallied 9 kills and 5 service aces.
The Lions, now 11-2 in conference (21-8 overall) travel to Milligan College Friday at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, the Lions will face #1 King at 10:00 in Bristol, followed by a match with #3 VIC at 3:00 in Bristol.
Robin Renfroe was named the AAC and NAIA Region XII Player of the Week for her outstanding efforts last Saturday, when she hit 25 kills for a .571 hitting pct. and tallied 9 total blocks in guiding the Lions to 2 weekend wins.
Next week, make plans to come cheer for the Lions in their final regular season home matches! Tuesday, Oct. 31, the Lions will take on AAC #4 Union College. The Lions lost a very close 5-game match at Union their first regular season match, and seek a little revenge.
Saturday, Nov. 4, come celebrate with the Lions as they honor Abby Humphrey, this year’s lone senior and captain. The Lions will host AAC #5 Montreat College at 3:30. The team will honor Humphrey briefly before the match, then will host a reception for her following the match.