Eagles Can’t Capitalize on Strong Start in Loss to Maranatha

KISSIMMEE, Florida--The Eagles' third game in two days at the NCCAA Division II volleyball tournaments started well, it just didn't end that way. After a rousing 27-25 win in the opening set, Faith dropped the next three straight as Maranatha Baptist rallied to a 3-1 win, ending the Eagles' run at the national tournament.

Infused by the energy of a large student section with the Eagles women's soccer team in attendance, Faith came out of the gates strong, playing with passion and confidence. Smiles and positive vibes abounded as the Eagles jumped to an early 11-5 lead in the first set after three consecutive kills—two by Audrey Holbert and one by Amanda Larson—causing the Sabercats to call timeout as the gymnasium roared with the noise of Eagles fans and players. The six-point lead slowly evaporated, and Faith found itself in a 24-22 hole with the set on the line. A service error and an attack error by the Sabercats brought the two teams back to a 24-24 tie and Maranatha appeared rattled as three more mistakes gave Faith its first set win of the tournament, 27-25.

As much fire and energy as the Eagles displayed in set one, Maranatha equaled it in set two behind the frontline play of Eryn Bates and Mattie Bumpus, who led a potent Sabercats attack to a quick 8-3 advantage. The Eagles rallied to get as close as 10-7, but Maranatha utilized a 15-5 run to win set two.

Things unraveled quickly for the Eagles in sets three and four. Maranatha found all the right spots with 14 kills in set three, cruising to a 25-9 win. With all the momentum on their side and an Eagles team whose confidence was clearly waning, set number four was a mere formality as the Sabercats rolled to a 25-5 win.

With the loss, the Eagles finished the year with a record of 17-12. The season was a huge success for Coach Nihart—one that could launch the program back to perennial contender status for the national tournaments for the foreseeable future, especially with the amount of talent that returns next season as he brings back nearly his entire roster.

Building off of the success of this season and a national tournament appearance, the future is bright for Faith Eagles women's volleyball.