Biola faced a tough five set match against Westmont College on Oct. 7. Junior defensive specialist Alex Brehaut and senior libero Charley Parker strengthened the defensive effort in the match with 13 digs by Brehaut and 12 digs by Parker. Senior middle blocker Amy Weststeyn also proved a standout player, leading the team with 21 kills.
The Eagles secured a lead early on in the first set against the Warriors, scoring two points from kills made by junior offensive hitters Joclyn Kirton and Britta Blaser. Westmont had difficulties keeping up with Biola’s quick plays and the Eagles ended the set 25-13.
Despite a strong start, the Eagles lost their footing during the second set. Westmont tied up the score, gaining a strong lead over Biola 16-15 after a kill made by offensive hitter Sarah McGough. The Warriors stepped up their defense during the second set of the match and ended up on top 25-16.
The Eagles made several attempts to catch up to the Warriors throughout the third set. Even though the Eagles scored two points before the end of the set, they ended unable to secure the final points necessary. Westmont came out on top 25-23.
“We kind of just lost our way in the second and third game. Westmont’s team, that was a really good team — they battled super hard in the second and third game” said Kirton. “I think that something we struggled with in the second and third game was our blocking, which affected our defense”
In the fourth set, both teams matched each other’s score a total of 12 times. Westmont accumulated ten attack errors to Biola’s advantage and the Eagles found a scoring rhythm towards the end of the set. Biola ended the set 25-20, causing the game to go into overtime.
“We just talked as a team — we knew we could play better,” said Kirton. “We finally were able to click, we just all did our own part”
The Eagles made a solid recovery in the final set after junior right side hitter Crissy Cunningham made three kills, putting the Eagles above the Warriors 6-1. Biola continued this scoring momentum, strongly finishing the game against the Warriors 15-8, resulting in a 3-2 win.
Biola holds an overall record of 17-4 and a Golden State Athletic Conference record of 7-1. Volleyball continues to rank second in GSAC and will play against Hope International University on Oct. 11.
