Winston-Salem, NC -- In tonight's match, Piedmont International University took on the rival Bruins of Bob Jones University.

It was a special night for Piedmont International as they honored Trooper Samuel Bullard, brother of outside hitter Olivia Bullard, who died in the line of duty this past May. The team raised $1,800 for the North Carolina Trooper Association and in honor of Trooper Bullard.

At the beginning of the match, PIU found themselves in a hole after falling 1-9 to the rival Bruins. It was PIU's scrappiness on defense and smart ball placement on offense that allowed the Lady Bruins to come back late in the game. Cydne Moore and Virgillia Jones were a strong force at the net, compiling a total of 5 blocks throughout the match. Unfortunately it wasn't enough for PIU, allowing Bob Jones to take set one, 21-25.

In set two, the Bruins battled. The game was tied at both point 11 and 16. Kelsey McKinley and Olivia Bullard added 4 kills a piece in this set, bringing their kill totals to 8 and 9 for the match. The Lady Bruin's defense, consisting of Cameron Dubuc, Olivia Bullard, and Alexis Infante, were hot, picking up a total of 51 digs on the match. In the end, PIU dropped set two, 21-25.
 

Entering the final set, the Lady Bruins lost momentum, digging themselves into a 1-12 deficit. It was Bob Jones strong serves (8 aces) and power pin hitters that created a challenge for PIU's defense in the final set. PIU struggled to bounce back, losing the set 14-25 and match 0-3.

"Bob Jones is a great team, plain and simple," explained Coach Chelsea Jones. "We played hard and rallied together for our teammate tonight. That's what's important."
 

The Lady Bruins are at home again next Thursday at 5:00 PM. PIU will be taking on Kentucky Christian University.