ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- Senior Bayli Reagan boasted a team-best 10 kills on the day, but the John Brown University volleyball team couldn't avoid two season-opening losses at the Red Raider Classic, hosted by Northwestern (Iowa), on Friday (Aug. 24).
Suffering both losses in sweeping fashion, the Golden Eagles (0-2) dropped an 18-25, 23-25, 20-25 decision to Briar Cliff (Iowa) before taking a 10-25, 16-25, 19-25 setback to No. 7 and host, Northwestern.
In the first contest, junior Kinzee Mayo led the John Brown offense with six kills while Reagan and junior Jessica Meyer each added five apiece, but the Golden Eagles were only able to hit .083 (30-22-96) in the early-afternoon setback.
Junior Elizabeth Williams passed out 12 assists while freshman Carrie Ciesla added six in her collegiate debut. Freshman Jenna Lowery registered 11 scoops in her collegiate debut on defense.
The Chargers hit .250 in the match (39-15-96), led by Analyse Stapleton's 10 terminations.
Later in the afternoon, JBU faced No. 7 Northwester on its home court, and the Red Raiders did not let down the home fans.
NWC hit .475 (36-7-61) in the quick three-set match, including an errorless second set.
Reagan recorded seven kills to lead the John Brown effort, while Meyer threw up a trio of blocks in the middle.
Lauryn Hilger paced the Red Raiders with 14 terminsations. Lacey Walker added 25 assists and AJ Horstman served up three of NWC's eight aces on the match.
John Brown returns to action tomorrow with two more matchups to close out tournament play.
