Salisbury, NC – Saturday began early for the Regent University Women's Volleyball team as they ventured north across the 17-mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel up Route 13 for a tri-match with Salisbury University and Stevenson University. Today would be a big test for the Royals as they were facing two who have recorded a number of solid wins this season.
Game One
Regent set the tone early in the first set after Sophomore Alaina Braun-Duin (Stephens City, VA) converted a kill, which was followed by another from Freshman Annalise Todd (Raleigh, NC). Braun-Duin would do it again, and the Royals found themselves with the lead, 6-4. The Seagulls eventually tied the score, but Junior Erin Saunders (Danville, VA) put Regent back in front with two kills, while Freshman Rylee Stewart (Newport News, VA) extended the advantage with a service ace. The Royals continued the scoring with a block by Senior Eliana Winn (Albuquerque, NM), followed by kills from Stewart, Braun-Duin and Todd. Salisbury would begin to chip away at the lead to tie things up at 19-19 and then eventually win the set 25-23.
Saunders helped keep the score tied in the second set with a kill, but the Seagulls were able to take a two-point advantage, 4-2. Unfortunately, they would increase their lead, forcing Regent to call a time out. Winn was able to score with a kill, as were Freshman Emma Kristiansen (Sparta, NJ) and Senior Brielle Peltonen (Virginia Beach, VA), but the Royals could not cut into the deficit and fell 25-8.
The third set started with both teams forcing errors but, once again, Salisbury was able to take a two-point advantage. Multiple kills from Braun-Duin and Kristiansen cut into the deficit and that was eventually followed by a service ace from Freshman Keira Anderson (Leland, NC). Saunders would convert two straight kills and suddenly Regent was in striking distance. A block by Winn extended the rally and that forced the Seagulls to call a timeout. However, the Royals could not get any closer and would fall by a final score of 3-0 (25-20).
Saunders finished with a team high 10 kills, while Stewart dished out 20 assists. In addition, Peltonen led the Royals with 16 digs.
Game Two
The first set saw both teams trade points as Saunders and Braun-Duin scored with early kills. Stewart also provided a spark with her ability to set up the Regent scorers. While they were able to work the ball around, the Mustangs would go on a run and take the set 25-8.
The Royals fell behind early in the second set but began to rally as Saunders, Braun-Duin and Kristiansen each scored points at the net. They continued their momentum and suddenly were ahead 12-8. However, Stevenson would close the gap and tie the score, until an error put Regent back out in front by a point. Saunders continued to shine with a kill, followed by a service ace, but once again the score would be tied. The Mustangs rallied again, but so did the Royals as Kristiansen, once again, delivered a strong kill. Saunders followed that up with a back line kill, which completed the rally and secured the set 25-23.
Saunders picked up where she left off, getting the first point of the third set. However, the Mustangs would go on a run to take the lead, 5-1. Winn stopped the run with a kill, followed by a service ace and then Kristiansen would add to her kill total, keeping the score close. Another Saunders service ace, combined with a block by Winn and Braun-Duin gave Regent some momentum, but they were unable to cut into the advantage and fell 25-17.
The fourth set saw Stevenson score eight straight points, but Braun-Duin shut down the run with two consecutive kills. She would add another one, but the Mustangs were able to string together more points and eventually come away with the win 3-1 (25-9).
Saunders finished with 14 kills, while Braun-Duin added 10 kills to go along with her 12 digs. In addition, Stewart led the team with 29 assists.
Regent will be back in action on Tuesday, October 14th when they host Washington Adventist University. First serve is scheduled for 7:00pm.
