Biola volleyball went 3-1 in the Carroll College Tournament Sept. 5-6 in Helena, Mont. The Eagles beat every team in straight sets on the first day, but fell 1-3 to the number one ranked Rocky Mountain College in the match of the following day. The women recomposed themselves to end the tournament with a win and returned to Chase Gymnasium on Sept. 9 to beat Vanguard University in straight sets.
The Eagles suffered their only loss of the tournament to RMC, currently ranked first in the NAIA, on Sept. 6. The Battlin’ Bears had momentum going into their match against Biola, having beaten the 2013 NAIA champions, University of Texas Brownsville, the day before.
“They had a really good middle, and we play a lot of good teams but this team in particular was really good,” said junior outside hitter Alyssa Mason. “Our blockers had to adjust to their hitting and our back row defense had to adjust, so we had to adjust all that we were working on. It was negative that we lost but positive because we’re more versatile because of it.”
Biola had 32 errors in the loss to RMC, the most they have had since playing the University of Texas Brownsville midway through the season last year.
The Eagles bounced back after their defeat and beat Montana Technical College later that day, beating them in three sets.
“We just lost that morning and we had to play them on their home court,” said senior middle blocker Amy Weststeyn. “Everything was lining up to be a miserable time, but I was really proud of us for separating ourselves. We said, this morning happened, it’s done, and came out strong again and were able to take that game in three.”
Biola finished the tournament 3-1, improving their record to 10-3.
“We played really well at times and not so well at other times,” said junior outside hitter Britta Blaser. “It was a good learning experience.”
The team headed back to Biola to play their first conference game against Vanguard University Sept. 9. The Eagles beat the Lions in three sets. Mason led the way with 14 kills.
Biola now has a season record of 11-3, and 1-0 in GSAC. They will move on to play Hope International University at home Sept. 13. The Eagles have gone undefeated against HIU for nine years.
