BRIDGEWATER, Va. (BC Athletics) – Bridgewater College women’s volleyball surged past Shenandoah in straight sets to take the win at home Wednesday night. The Eagles continue their impressive winning ways and move to 8-3 in ODAC play.
Score: Bridgewater (BCE) 3, Shenandoah (SU) 0
Records: BCE (16-6 OVR, 8-3 ODAC), SU (10-8 OVR, 6-3 ODAC)
How It Happened
• The Eagles gained quick momentum early in the match, and the incredible run to start out the action painted the picture of immediate Eagle success. In the opening set, BCE rumbled to an astounding six-point scoring rally as Agnes Alford landed two kills in the scoring streak. Soon after, Claire Griffith winded back off the lob by Lindsay Kelley to send one pummeling down on the hardwood to break open a 12-point run. Kelley dropped in a service ace to close out the first set, 25-12.
• In the second set, the Hornets took the first point similar to the first set but once again the rally quickly vanished with a promising scoring rally from BCE. Reagan Stoop spiked one, and then Griffith added one more. The Eagles slowly pushed ahead with successful offensive closeouts to limit attack errors and climbed back in the set to take the lead. Three more effective scoring runs went BCE’s way to edge the Hornets in the second set, 25-22.
• Then, SU forced extra work on the Eagles by getting the third set off to a 5-0 lead. However, BCE did not panic and dwindled the deficit with a commanding six-point comeback including back-to-back kills by Stoop. Griffith helped the Eagles gain traction later in the set to harness an offensive edge the rest of the way. Gabby Atwell slammed down an attack in back-to-back rallies to give the Eagles the three-set victory and a final set score, 25-19.
Match Notes
• The Eagles ignited the season’s longest scoring streak with a 12-point scoring run in the first set.
• Bridgewater kept a steady hitting percentage throughout the contest, averaging at a .270 clip.
• Lindsay Kelley shined in this matchup, posting a match-high 17 assists including seven service aces.
• Faith DePew and Agnes Alford were walls at net, posting three block assists each.
Up Next
The Eagles are back in action next week at home as they face nationally recognized Christopher Newport at 6 p.m.
— BC Athletics —
