After winning their last four games, the Biola Eagles hit a bump in the road, which came at the hands of No. 10 Point Loma Nazarene.

Though the outcome was a loss, the game was exciting from start to finish, basically nullifying the end result. Even junior Maggie McGill stated that it was “one of the most exciting games she has ever played in.”

Biola was able to take advantage of a late 12-5 run in the first game and win it 30-24. However, Point Loma responded similarly in the second game after going on a 15-5 run to tie the match 1-1.

Game three was fought back and forth, with neither team refusing to give up. Biola was able to jump out to an early lead, but Point Loma was again able to bounce back to go up 18-15.

The Eagles chipped away and took the lead at 28-25, and when game three looked like it was going to the Eagles, the Sea Lions miraculously stormed back to tie it at 29-29.

Fortunately, junior Meghan Warkentin came to play, and smashed back-to-back kills to seal the game for the Eagles, 31-29.

With the match in favor of the Eagles, Point Loma was not ready to call it a night, as they dominated game four 30-16, forcing a fifth and final game.

During the deciding game, the score was tied six different times, the last at 12-12. But after a kill and two blocks by Point Loma, the Eagles came away empty-handed, losing the fifth game by a final of 15-12.

Biola’s next opponent was an improved Hope International on Tuesday night in Chase Gymnasium.
The Eagles came out sluggishly in game one, trailing the entire game until they scored four straight points to win it 30-27.

The second game, the Eagles easily took 30-15 and looked like they were back on track. In the third and final game of the night, the Eagles struggled but nonetheless finished Hope off 30-25 to complete the sweep.

McGill realizes the importance of intensity to their success.

“We didn’t really come out the first game fired up like we usually are,” McGill said. “But after a close game one, we just stepped it up and learned from our mistakes.”

“That’s what’s so great about this team: we play really adaptable and listen to each other, which is so important for success,” she added.

After their impressive victory over Hope, the Eagles take a break from conference play and will fly to Michigan to compete in the Madonna Classic this Friday and Saturday.