The Eagles have played two matches since their first loss of the season, which was handed to them by the Vanguard University Lions. In their matches against Arizona Christian University and Hope International University the Eagles have performed well. Not only that, but their victories keep them in the close pennant race they have with Vanguard, staying within one game of their rival.

COMING IN UNDEFEATED

Biola came into their Golden State Athletic Conference matchups undefeated. For a time it appeared that no team could beat them as they blew through their first seven matches. However, as their match against Vanguard came closer, the Eagles knew their biggest challenge was still ahead.

Up until their match, Vanguard and Biola stayed neck-and-neck with each other as both teams stood undefeated.  Although the Eagles dropped their match to the Lions, their motivation to improve and work harder has been clearly evident in their last two matches.

“The loss against Vanguard was a reality check for all of us that it is never OK to stop working your hardest,” said Becca Branch, freshman setter. “People are going to want to beat us so we have to work even harder.”

FIRST MATCH AFTER LOSS

In their first match after their loss, the Eagles topped the Firestorm 3-0. The Eagles faced off against Arizona earlier in the season and Biola won both matches 3-0. In that game senior outside hitter Joclyn Kirton made a majority of the Eagles’ points with 11 kills. She made those kills in 21 attack attempts and ended the match with only three errors.

Similarly, the Eagles played Hope International for the second time this season after their victory in Arizona. Both teams experienced déjà vu when Biola once again beat the Royals 3-0. Senior outside hitter Alyssa Mason was the star of that match as she made 11 kills in 17 attack attempts without any errors.

“Our team has focused harder in practice,” Branch said. “We have really gotten a grip on what we want to accomplish and how we’re going to do it.”

A BREAK FROM THE USUAL

Kirton has led the Eagles in kills for most of the year. She stands on top of the list with 199 kills and 213 points. Defensively, the Eagles have done a fantastic job of making sure the ball lands on the other side of the court. Mason has 10 solo blocks and has made 25 block assists. Senior middle blocker Lauren Hoenecke leads in block assists with 51.

The Eagles have a break from their usual GSAC divisional matches and are spending a weekend playing in Des Moines, Iowa. Over two days, the team will play against Missouri Baptist University and Grandview College on Oct. 16. They will wrap up on Oct. 17 with a match against Park University, who beat the Eagles in the NAIA semifinals last year.