by Kristyn Proctor
Staff Writer
Despite last Thursday’s disappointing 3-1 loss by the women’s volleyball team to the Lady Bulldogs of Union College in the AAC tournament, the team says they still want to “do something remarkable” this season, starting with the National Christian College Athletic Association’s playoffs this weekend.
“We still have an opportunity to top our 2007 season, which was the best in Bryan history,” Leo Sayles, the head coach, said. “I would love to see us advance to NCCAA nationals again and use our 2007 experience to go and get into the Final Four, which is a real possibility if we can survive the regional playoffs.”
The 3-1 loss in the AAC championship match was difficult for the ladies, who had their first AAC regular-season championship. Senior middle-blocker, Amber Smith, also received the honor of the AAC Player of the Year. She, along with senior setter Amanda Manke and junior outside hitter Alison Young were named to the All-Tournament Team, while nine other players were named AAC Scholar Athletes.
The match started well, with Bryan winning the first game 25-19. However, the Bulldogs quickly took control of the match, anticipating weaknesses and making tough serves to win the next three games 25-17, 25-13, 25-15.
According to Sayles, the season has been difficult due to many personal situations affecting the team, but many of the players have been able to draw closer together because of them.
“These crucibles of life have given the opportunity to show their love for each other in new ways. As close as our teams have been in the past, I do believe this is the closest unit I have had at Bryan,” he said.
Fans have also noticed the tight-knit friendships among the Lady Lions.
“The games are upbeat and fun,” sophomore fan Bethany Diamond said. “It’s an enjoyable event and nice to see such good teamwork. We know they’ll do their best.”
The NCCAA seven-team playoffs begin this weekend at Covenant College (Lookout Mountain, Ga.). Asbury College (Wilmore, Ky.) and Bluefield (Va.) College–both teams Bryan has beaten this year–will be attending the tournament, as well as King College (Bristol, Tenn.) and Campbellsville University of Kentucky, which are both currently ranked ahead of Bryan in the NCCAA.