Biola volleyball traveled to Phoenix to face the Arizona Christian University Firestorm on Sept. 9. The Golden State Athletic Conference matchup finished quickly as Biola won in straight sets, 25-20, 25-16 and 25-19. The Eagles improved to 2-0 in conference play and 10-5 overall.

The Firestorm came out firing in the first set, jumping out to an early 11-6 lead. Biola fought back to close the gap, but ACU still had the lead at 20-19. However, they proceeded to commit four consecutive errors followed by two Biola kills to shut down the Firestorm’s chances at taking a set from Biola.

Set two proved much better for Biola, as they took the lead early and never let it go. A huge 10-point run in the middle of the game put them up 17-7, and though ACU closed the gap a little by the end, the set finished 25-16 with senior setter Brinley Beresford serving an ace as the final point.

The final set of the day started with a 6-0 lead for Biola, where they stayed. The Firestorm did not give up, and brought the score back to 20-18 still in Biola’s favor. The Eagles shut down the comeback efficiently, winning five of the next six points to give them the game win and match shutout.

Freshman outside hitter Alyx Dunham led all attackers in kills as she finished with 11 of 27 attempts. Sophomore opposite Karly Dantuma contributed 10 of her own and sophomore opposite Stephanie Jewett finished with eight kills from 10 attempts and zero errors for a team-high .800 kill percent.

The Eagles return to Chase Gymnasium on Tuesday Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. when they face the Chapman University Panthers in a non-conference match.