CLEVELAND, Ga. (September 29, 2023) – On Friday, the Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference foe, Bryan College, for a match-up inside the Harris Athletic Complex. The Lady Bears gave it their all through five grueling sets, but ultimately were unable to secure the win, 2-3 (25-21, 20-25, 20-25, 26-24, 6-15). The Lady Bears fall to an overall record of 12-7, 6-2 AAC, while Bryan rises to a record of 10-7, 7-2 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY

Set one saw TMU first on the board with BC not far behind. Kills by Jordan Roberts and Katie Williams continued to hold the Lady Bears lead, until a six-point rally by the Lions put BC ahead by two. TMU was not shaken, bouncing back with a four-point rally, featuring three block assists (Roberts/Sonya Silecky, Roberts /Faith Clarkson, and Roberts/Williams). A final kill by Roberts, sealed the deal in the first set, 25-21. The second set once again saw TMU first on the board with a kill by Roberts. A four-point rally by the Lions gave BC an early lead, but the Lady Bears did not lose heart, responding with a four-point rally of their own. The set remained evenly matched until a final four-point rally by BC left TMU behind, 25-20.

The third set saw a change with the Lions first to attack, but it unfazed the Lady Bears as kills by Williams, Sonya Silecky and Rylee Simpson put TMU ahead. The Lady Bears continued to fight until a final six-point rally by BC gave the Lions set three, 20-25. Set four saw the Lady Bears take an early lead, increasing the scoring gap by nine points, with kills by Williams, Clarkson, Ranavia Neal and Silecky. A seven-point rally by the Lions proved to be an effort to push ahead but did not shake TMU's focus as the Lady Bears stole set four, 26-24.

In the final set, BC was first to act forcing a quick response by TMU with a kill by Silecky and a service ace from Deomi Valmus. The Lady Bears continued to fight, but a nine-point rally by the visitors separated TMU from the win, falling to the Lions in the fifth set, 15-6.

LEADERS

Williams led the way with 13 kills and two block assists. Roberts followed closely behind with 11 kills, three solo blocks, and five block assists, while Sonya Silecky recorded 21 digs, 11 kills, and two block assists. Neal had eight kills, two solo blocks, and two block assists, while Simpson recorded 40 assists on the evening. Rachel Kessler recorded 27 digs respectfully.

UP NEXT

TMU will host Tennessee Wesleyan University and Bob Jones University on Saturday, September 30, for a tri-match inside the Harris Athletic Complex. Match times set for 1:00 and 5:00 p.m., with senior day recognition to take place before the second TMU match.