October 26, 2007    

     Dayton, TN--The Lady Lions volleyball team stayed in the hunt for a conference championship Friday night with a 3-0 (30-18, 30-17, 30-20) victory over visiting Virginia Intermont College.  MB Robin Renfroe guided the Lions’ attack with 11 kills (.526 pct) and 16 service points, while MB Amber Smith contributed 7 kills, 12 service points and 2 blocks.  The setting duo of sophomore Hannah Suits and freshman Deborah Lowery combined for 38 assists while senior libero Kathryn Rawley dug out 15.

     The Lions traded points with the Cobras in game 1 until Lauren Pratt served up 5 service points.  The Lions pulled away and never let up.  The Lions started on fire in game 2 with 3 points from Deborah Lowery, and raced out to a 7-1 lead off 2 big kills by Robin Renfroe, but the Cobras fought their way back in to tie the game at 9.  After a time-out, the Lions pulled away outscoring the Cobras 21-8.  Coach Sayles pulled both outsides to play reserves in game three, and the team took a little while to settle down.  The Cobras hung around, staying within 3 until Kaylin Carswell nailed a kill down the line to give the Lions a 22-18 lead.  Strong serving from Deborah Lowery and Robin Renfroe swept away the Cobras, giving Bryan the victory.

     “Our players were pretty focused tonight, and understand what is on the line,” commented Bryan’s coach Leo Sayles.  “We had to get through this match with a victory if we have any expectations of earning the conference title.  We will have to do the same…and then some…to pull out a victory against King tomorrow.”

     The Lions (14-2, 18-10) currently sit  a half game behind Union College (14-1), but face a must-win situation against #3 King (game-time 10:00 a.m. Saturday), who defeated the Lions earlier this year.  A tie would move the Lions into third with no chance of pulling ahead of the Tornado.  A win would allow Bryan the chance to defeat Union in their last match of the season on Tuesday.