Point Lookout, MO – Carolina University Women's Volleyball competed this weekend in the NCCAA National Tournament, facing off against Columbia International University and Mid-America Christian University.
On Day 1 of pool play, the Bruins took on the Rams. It took some time for the Bruins to build momentum in the first set, dropping it 17-23. However, they came close in the second set, falling just 2 points short in a tight 23-25 finish. With their offense heating up, the Bruins found their rhythm in the third set, winning 26-24. Sarah Elizabeth Samuels was key to the Bruins' success in the third, tallying 10 kills in the match. Despite the strong performance, Carolina couldn't take the fourth set from the #1-seeded Rams, losing 15-25.
Though the Bruins ultimately lost, both their defensive and offensive efforts were noteworthy. Kamra King and Rebecca Walker each recorded 17 kills. The team's struggles with serve receive, however, made it difficult for them to stay in system and run their offense efficiently, particularly in the middle. This contributed to their defeat.
On Day 2 of pool play, the Bruins faced Mid-America Christian University in another four-set thriller. The match started off slow for Carolina as they dropped the first set 12-25. However, they bounced back to win the second set 25-19. The Bruins hit an impressive .371 in the third set, hoping to carry that momentum forward. Unfortunately, they couldn't maintain the momentum, losing the next two sets 17-25 and 12-25, ultimately falling in the match.
Despite the loss, the Bruins fought hard to put away out-of-system balls, though Mid-America's tough serving proved challenging to return. Carolina struggled with 13 service aces against them, but the team continued to push forward. Sion Murrain led the offensive effort with 9 kills, while senior setter Kamra King reached another impressive milestone—her 1,000th career dig, marking another achievement for the Georgia native.
Women's Volleyball will be back in action tonight as they face Bethel University on Thursday, December 5th, at 6:00 PM on day 2 of the NCCAA National Tournament.
