Powered by a season-best blocking performance, the John Brown University volleyball team completed a 3-1 come-from-behind victory (17-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-17) over Mid-America Christian University inside Bill George Arena on Friday night (Sept. 20).
The Golden Eagles (5-9, 4-2 SAC) showcased a balanced offensive attack, combined with solid defensive efforts, to overcome a slow start in the first set. Despite dropping the opener, JBU regrouped and controlled the pace through strategic hitting, blocking, and strong service execution to claim the next three sets.
The Evangels fell to 6-6 overall and 2-3 in SAC play.
Senior Erin Mullins made a significant impact on both sides of the ball, contributing 13 kills with an impressive .423 hitting percentage, while also tallying seven block assists. Senior Savanna Riney contributed heavily to the offensive output with 14 kills, hitting at a .300 clip, and adding four block assists of her own. Junior Ella Yarborough, growing more comfortable in the outside hitter role, recorded her third double-digit kill match of the season.
Senior Grace Barfknecht was instrumental in maintaining the team's momentum with strong service runs, finishing the match with double-digit digs and only one reception error on 22 attempts (.955). Senior libero Julie Milligan anchored the defense with 19 digs and led the team at the service line, posting three aces to round out her performance.
"Tonight's match against MACU was another classic back-and-forth between two quality teams," head coach Ken Carver said after the come-from-behind win. "MACU came out strong in the first set, and we didn't initially respond to their offensive effectiveness. Our block was just a bit slow in getting where it needed to be, and our back-row defense struggled to read the opposing attackers' arm swings and respond accordingly. At the changeover after the first set, we talked about the need to step up our defense in a big way. After that, our team played defense at a whole other level, especially at the net. Coming back and forcing their team to hit .000 in the very next set helped us turn the momentum of the match. With our presence at the net beginning to set the tone, we elevated our aggressiveness from the service line. At the same time, we held an equally aggressive serving team in check by not giving up many reception errors or out-of-system passes."
"We finished the match strong with our best offensive output, adding two more aces from the service line and 12 block assists in the final set, earning 21 of our 25 points in that set to close out the match," Carver added. "I'm proud of the poise and resiliency our team showed in not getting rattled after the first set but instead buckling down and getting to work."
The opening set saw the Evangels start strong, hitting at an impressive .432 clip, paced by Lena Stockhammer's five kills. The Golden Eagles struggled to find their offensive rhythm, hitting just .154 as a team. MACU's aggressive serves and sharp attacks, particularly from Stockhammer and Alica Obusekova, put JBU in a hole early.
After a shaky start, John Brown regrouped in the second set with a noticeable defensive improvement. The team's blocking, led by Mullins, junior Emma-Kate Schaefer, and senior Taylor Golmen, stifled the Evangels' attack, holding the visitors to a .000 hitting percentage. Offensively, JBU spread the ball effectively, with setter Kailana Chamnongchith finding open hitters in critical moments. Riney recorded five kills on nine attacks (.556), while Mullins added five more on just seven swings (.714). JBU capitalized on MACU's attacking errors, building a 20-14 lead midway through the set, eventually taking it 25-19 to level the match at one set apiece.
The third set was tightly contested, featuring 13 ties and seven lead changes, with both teams trading points early. JBU gained the upper hand through efficient side-out play and timely blocks. Schaefer and Yarborough, with four kills each, added crucial points from the pins. MACU's offense, although still led by Stockhammer, faltered as JBU's defense held strong, particularly in serve-receive, where freshman Mallory Jury excelled. Tied 18-18, JBU went on a 6-0 run before Yarborough ended the set with a kill, giving the Golden Eagles a 25-21 victory.
With momentum fully in JBU's favor, the Golden Eagles came out strong in the fourth set, hitting a match-high .406. Consecutive kills from Mullins established an early lead. MACU's offense, which had been effective early in the match, struggled to regain form as JBU's blocking continued to stifle their attack, including a pair of block assists from Schaefer. Riney added several kills in transition, including a key one that built a 19-15 advantage. One final surge, fueled by a pair of Riney aces, ended the match as JBU claimed the set 25-17.
The Golden Eagles closed out the match with 50 kills on 162 attempts, registering a .191 team hitting percentage. Their defensive presence was a major factor, as they posted a season-high 26 block assists (13 total blocks), holding Mid-America Christian to a .144 hitting percentage across four sets. The Evangels also tallied 50 kills on 160 attempts, with Stockhammer leading all players with 17 kills, surpassing 1,000 career kills in the process. Obusekova added 11 kills and 21 digs, but MACU's offense was ultimately stifled by JBU's defense.
John Brown University wraps up its three-match homestand tomorrow, Sept. 21, with a matchup against Science & Arts (Okla.). First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on the SAC Sports Network.
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