In perhaps the most anticipated game of the season, the Biola women’s volleyball team will take on the University of Texas at Brownsville on Oct. 23 for their last time on home turf. In a matchup that has carried a reputation of rivalry for years, the competition is sure to be stiff.

Every year, the two teams meet for one non-conference game during the season and see each other again at nationals. In 2010, Texas Brownsville defeated Biola in both games, the second victory led them to win the NAIA national tournament. Biola claimed victory over the team in 2011, winning in four sets. In 2012 Biola once again fell to the competition.

The last time they met, Texas Brownsville took the 2013 national tournament title from the Eagles in just three sets, a devastating loss that will surely fuel the fire during Thursday’s match up.  

This season the volleyball program has stayed strong and Texas Brownsville boasts an overall record of 25-2. No doubt exists among fans of both teams that this game will be the one to watch.

“This year is the last year they will be playing in the NAIA. It’s the last chance [we have] to take them down on our court so it will be exciting,” said junior setter Ashton Arbuthnot.

As the Eagles take the season game by game and work hard in preparation for every team they face, this game remains special, as Texas Brownsville will merge with the University of Texas Pan-American before next season and there will no longer be a rivalry.

A YOUNG BROWNSVILLE ROSTER 

With a new season comes a new team for every school in the NAIA but especially for Texas Brownsville. The team brings back only seven returners out of a full 23 players this season, a disadvantage due to the time it takes to work out the kinks of a new team.

In contrast to the Ocelots, the Eagles have an experienced squad and will rely on that to carry them through the game. These returners, including junior outside hitters Alyssa Mason, Britta Blaser, and Joclyn Kirton, along with senior middle blocker Amy Weststeyn, dominate the front row.

“A strength of ours is our offense, we have so many hitters across the board and they are all extremely talented,” Arbuthnot said.

Whether or not Biola comes out on top in their last chance at a home-court victory, the Eagles will work hard to take on Brownsville and remain confident in their abilities on the court.

“We are watching film in practice, and that will help us know what to prepare for,” said freshman setter Allison Spencer.

“I think we have the upper hand right now and it’s just up to us to play hard and take it,” said Arbuthnot.

The teams will face off on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in Chase Gymnasium.