JBU splits on final day, welcomes OCU

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The John Brown University volleyball team finished a busy weekend of play with a split, falling to No. 21 Bellevue (Neb.) in straight sets before besting host Evangel (Mo.) in a sweep on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 9, at The Courts in the Evangel Invitational.

Junior Bayli Reagan paced the Golden Eagles (9-2) with 11 kills and 11 digs, her firstcareer double-double, while sophomore Carly McKinney chipped in with nine kills and nine digs, and sophomore Jessica Meyer added six kills and six block-assists in the setback.

Senior Alyssa Arnold added a double-double with 27 assists and 18 digs while senior Beth Brankle posted a team-best 20 scoops.

A 10-4 lead in the second set evaporated over time while the Golden Eagles stayed close to the Bruins (10-3) for the majority of the contest, but were limited to a .138 hitting percentage (33-14-138) as BU boasted nine blocks on the match, winning 25-17, 25-22, 25-21.

The second match was a different story, however, as JBU rebounded to hit .320 (50-11-122), making quick work of Evangel, 25-14, 25-23, 25-16.

Reagan posted a careerhigh 15 kills and added 10 digs, clinching the doubledouble, as did McKinney with her 10 terminations and a game-best 19 scoops. Arnold posted a season-best 42 helpers in the win.

The Golden Eagles will host their first Sooner Athleic Conference match of the season when SAC favorite Oklahoma City comes to Bill George Arena on Friday for a 7 p.m. match.