Greenville, SC - The Regent University Women's Volleyball team traveled to South Carolina for the second weekend in a row to participate in the Bob Jones Invitational.  Friday night would see them play Clinton College for the second time in six days, while also facing Boyce College to end the evening.  At the end of the day, the contingent of fans that made the trip, and those watching from home, saw the Royals put together two outstanding performances to sweep the night.    

Game One

Regent wasted no time in the first set, as they quickly put points on the board behind solid play from the team as a whole.  While the Golden Bears tried to rally, the Royals held strong for the first win of the match, 25-16.  In the second set, Regent fell behind early, but fought back to pull within two points.  However, Clinton would hold on to even things up, 25-18.  

The third set saw both teams trade points, and eventually the Royals put together a run behind the serving of Junior Makalya Daniels (Chesapeake, VA), to pull ahead by three points.  The Golden Bears cut the lead to one point and then would eventually tie things up at 17-17, but a big block by Sophomore Erin Saunders (Danville, VA) and Senior Jordan Banister (Chesapeake, VA) came at the perfect time, allowing Daniels to serve out the set, 25-19.

As the fourth set began, both teams, once again, traded points, however Clinton eventually pulled ahead by one.  Regent was able to tie it again and regain the advantage on a kill by Banister, as things continued to remain close, but the Royals would pull away, winning the match by a score of 3-1.

Saunders led the way with 16 kills, 13 digs and 5 service aces, while Senior Shaley Wertz (Kansas City, MO) dished out a team high 22 assists.  

Game Two

Both teams tried to gain the edge in the first set, but it was Regent who was finally able to grab a three-point lead.  They kept the pressure on Boyce and that would propel them to the early win, 25-18.   The Royals fell behind in the second set, 5-2, and would have to fight their way back in it.  After a timeout, Regent was able to string some points together, but fell 25-13.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick lead in the third set, but the Royals tied the score on a Daniels ace.  However, Boyce regained their advantage and eventually increased it to five points, forcing a timeout.  That's when the momentum switched and Regent went on a scoring streak to go out in front 12-11.  Neither team could pull away and, at another timeout. the score was tied 20-20.  Eventually the Royals would overtake the Bulldogs, as Sophomore Hannah Narvaez (Houston, TX) served for the set win, 25-21.  

The fourth set started like the previous three, with both teams trading points.  Solid serving from Freshman Kathryn Morgan (Richmond, VA), combined with a cross court kill from Saunders, eventually allowed Regent to grab a two-point lead.  They would open it up to five points and then eight points thanks to Morgan's serves and two Banister kills.  Boyce was able to pull closer but in the end the Royals came away with the match win, 3-1.  

Banister led Regent with a game high 11 kills and 3 blocks, while Wertz dished out 22 assists.  In addition, Saunders recorded 11 digs, followed by Daniels who had 10 digs.  

Regent will be back in action tomorrow as they finish out the Invitational with games against Lancaster Bible College and host Bob Jones University.  First serves are scheduled for 10:00am and 2:00pm.