Volleyball began play at Azusa Pacific University’s West Region Showcase Thursday with a four-set win against Northwest Nazarene University, followed by a four-set loss to Cal State University San Bernardino.

The Eagles started the day with their second straight match against NNU, and just like Biola’s five-set win on Aug. 25, the match was close throughout. Junior outside hitter Sabrina Winslow gave her team their first lead of the match with a kill early, and seven assists from senior setter Brinley Beresford along with three kills from senior outside hitter Hannah Van Warmerdam gave Biola a 25-23 first set win.

The second set was a dominant one for the Eagles as sophomore outside hitter Christina DenBoer got going with several kills to help her team dominate the Nighthawks, 25-12.

The Eagles entered the match winless in third sets so far this season and this game proved no different. Northwest Nazarene jumped to an early 5-0 lead and never let up, winning 25-22.

Looking to finish the match, Biola capitalized on many Nighthawks errors to jump to an early lead, and Winslow continued to play well, pushing the lead to 19-11 and ultimately winning the match with a score of 25-19 in the final set.

Back in action against nationally ranked CSUSB, the Eagles started off with an impressive first set win led by senior middle blocker Sierra Bauder with four kills. Sophomore libero Kaitlin O’Brien converted two aces as the Eagles took the first set 25-21.

The second set proved a flip from the first, as the Coyotes took an easy win 25-12 following many eagles hitting errors.

CSUSB also controlled the third set as strong hitting and consistent play led to another easy win 25-16.

Senior opposite hitter Karly Dantuma pushed hard to keep her team in the game, recording two kills early on, but the Coyotes remained consistent, taking the match with a 25-17 set win.

Biola now sits at 3-2 on the season and continues play at the showcase at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday against Western Washington University.