Bluefield Volleyball Falls to Bryan in Straight Sets

Photo courtesy of Bluefield University Athletic Communications Department.

Bluefield University’s women’s volleyball team fell to Bryan College, 3-0, on Friday, October 23, in Dayton, Tennessee. The Rams dropped three sets by scores of 25-19, 25-13, and 25-14. Despite a competitive start, Bluefield struggled to maintain its momentum as Bryan found its rhythm offensively and controlled the final two sets.

Bluefield competed in the opening set, recording nine kills, but Bryan pulled away to win 25-19. The Lions took control in the second set, hitting .462 as a team to win 25-13. Bryan closed out the match with a 25-14 win in the third set. The Rams were unable to overcome Bryan’s offensive efficiency, as the Lions continued to create scoring opportunities and limit Bluefield’s chances to close the gap.

Faith Alsup led the Rams offensively with seven kills and two service aces. Ella Gawellek added six kills, while Chesed Russell contributed four kills and a team-high seven digs. Kylee Sturgill led Bluefield with 10 assists, followed by Izabella Lechuga with nine. Alsup’s production at the net helped lead the Bluefield attack, while Russell’s defensive effort provided a presence in the back row. Sturgill and Lechuga also helped distribute the ball and create opportunities for their teammates to score.

Bryan held the advantage in several statistical categories, finishing with 35 kills compared with Bluefield’s 24. The Lions also recorded 11 service aces to the Rams’ four and finished with 34 assists and 31 digs. Bryan’s advantage in kills and service aces proved important throughout the match, allowing the Lions to maintain pressure on the Rams in all three sets.

The loss dropped Bluefield to 5-17 overall and 2-14 in conference play, while Bryan improved to 16-10 overall and 10-6 in conference action. Bluefield will look to regroup and build on its individual contributions as the season starts to come to an end.

Box Score: Bryan College Athletics