HONOLULU, Hawaii (August 25-26, 2023)—On Friday-Saturday, the Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team traveled to compete in the Magic Island Hawaii Classic. The Lady Bears went 0-3 on the weekend as they faced tough opponents starting with Benedictine University at Mesa (10-15, 20-25, 20-25), University of Providence (Mont.) (21-25, 25-27, 22-25) and Oregon Tech (22-25, 21-25, 27-29).

While in Hawaii, the Lady Bears ministered to the local people by hosting a volleyball clinic for high school aged boys and girls.
 
MATCH 1 | Benedictine University at Mesa
 
The Lady Bears worked hard against the Redhawks, but ultimately fell short, 10-25, in the first set. In the second set, BU took an early lead, but a kill by Leah Bowen set TMU in motion. Two kills by Katie Williams and one by Jordan Roberts kept the game evenly matched (16-19). The Lady Bears worked hard to push ahead of the Redhawks, but it ultimately wasn't enough as they fell in the second set (20-25). 
 
In the third set, an attack error and service ace by Rylee Simpson put TMU on the board first (2-0). A three-point rally featuring a service ace by Emma Boland and a kill from Williams gave the Lady Bears hope, but it wasn't enough to secure the win as a five-point rally by the Redhawks put them on top (20-25). 
 
LEADERS
Williams led with nine kills, followed by Silecky with six and Roberts with five. Sonya Silecky had seven digs, while Simpson recorded 18 assists.
 
MATCH 2 | University of Providence (Mont.)
 
In the first set, the Argos were first to attack with a four-point rally, but a kill by Ranavia Neal followed by a service ace by Rachel Kessler gave the Lady Bears momentum. A late three-point rally by TMU gave them a fair shot but it was enough, falling short 21-25. In the second set, the Lady Bears took an early lead with blocks by Neal and Bowen followed with kills by Williams (7-8). Kills by Neal and Sonya Silecky gave the Bears hope as the score remained tight, but a last chance kill by the Argos pushed them ahead (27-25). In the third set, TMU continued to keep the score close working hard offensively, but it wasn't enough, falling to a final set score of 25-22.
 
LEADERS
Williams led the way with nine kills followed by Neal with seven. Williams and Boland each had eight digs, while Simpson recorded 18 assists.
 
 
MATCH 3 | Oregon Tech
 
In the first set, the Owls took an early lead, but kills by Simpson and Williams kept the Lady Bears in the game. A last minute three-point rally by the Owls put them on top in set one, 22-25. In the second set, the Lady Bears were able to take the lead with kills by Bowen, Williams, Neal and Roberts. TMU continued to control the set but a seven-point rally by the Owls changed the game as the Lady Bears fell behind 21-25. In the final set, TMU did not lose heart as a three-point rally, featuring kills by Williams, kept them in the lead. A final rally by the Owls gave them the advantage as the Lady Bears fell 27-29.
 
LEADERS
Williams led the way with 14 kills, followed by Neal with 11 and Roberts with eight. Silecky led with 10 digs, followed by Kessler with nine and Simpson with eight. Simpson recorded 34 assists on the evening. 
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears will head to Greenville, S.C. on Tuesday, August 29, to take on the Bob Jones University Bruins in a non-conference match-up. First match set to begin at 6:00 p.m.