The Eagles faced Notre Dame de Namur University on Saturday, Nov. 23, winning 3-0 at home. Some of the Eagles were finishing their season and volleyball career as the coaching and athletic staff celebrated their senior athletes. This emotional match up fueled the intensity, energy and fire for tonight, aiding a spectacular performance. Senior outside hitter Sabrina Winslow achieved her 1,000th kill in her final match, as the Eagles ended their season with a bang.
The first set started as a battle, as NDNU did not put up an easy fight. Nevertheless, Biola bounced back with senior outside hitter Becca Branch’s five consecutive kills, followed by another five by Winslow. The team’s total performance overall was 19 kills, 18 assists, two blocks and a hitting percentage of 0.341 for the 25-12 win.
“Tonight’s game was a lot of fun,” Branch said. “I think we all came out and wanted to have a great time and play hard for each other and for the seniors. These relationships are so life-lasting, I feel like volleyball was the insignificant part of the day. It was really about the relationships and having fun one last time, and leaving our heart out on the court.”
DON’T MESS WITH THE NEST
Going into the second set, NDNU was furious and wanted payback. Between Biola and NDNU, the rallies would last for minutes at a time. Biola struggled initially with a five-point deficit until they found their rhythm once again. The Eagles came back with 16 kills and a hitting percentage of 0.238. Five of these kills were provided by senior outside hitter Savannah Hilde as she and her team were ecstatic over the set victory of 25-18.
ONE LAST SET
The energy was at an all-time high in the third set as Biola left their heart on the court. NDNU continued to fight by trying to match Biola’s intensity, but fell short. The Eagles continued to dominate the match, putting up 11 kills, three aces and a hitting percentage of 0.381. To top it off, Winslow ended her last collegiate game with 15 kills, joining the 1,000 kills club. The Eagles defeated NDNU 25-13.
“I’m happy for them,” said head coach Aaron Seltzer. “They had a good run and did a good job tonight. It’s been a good four years with them. They work hard, lead our team and love the Lord. It’s hard to see them go because you spend so much time, energy and effort but that’s what they do. They grow up and they all leave you.”
The Eagles concluded their season 14-8 in the PacWest and 17-13 overall.
