Eagles Fall to Higher Seeds on Day One of Pool Play
Joplin, MO -- Faith volleyball battled hard, but ultimately fell in their first two pool play matches against the higher seeded Bob Jones University and Manhattan Christian College.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
21 | 17 | 18 | 0 |
|
|
25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
25 | 19 | 21 | 17 | 1 |
|
|
22 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Team Stats
Manhattan Christian College
| Game Statistics | Faith Baptist Bible College | Manhattan Christian College |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting % | .125 | .256 |
| Blocks | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| Digs | 59 | 63 |
| Aces | 2 | 11 |
Bob Jones University
| Game Statistics | Faith Baptist Bible College | Bob Jones University |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting % | .070 | .167 |
| Blocks | 6.0 | 13.0 |
| Digs | 51 | 45 |
| Aces | 7 | 11 |
Faith began the national tournament with a challenging slate as they faced two powerhouses on day one of competition. The Eagles started the day against Bob Jones, a team that won six straight national championships before their streak was broken by Arlington in the 2024 tournament. Set one saw the Bruins jump to a quick lead but the Eagles dug their way back to tie it at 10 apiece and took the lead with a kill from Codie Wirges. From there the lead swung back and forth until the Eagles went on a 7-0 run to push it to set point. Each team scored one more time before Faith took the 25-22 win and a one set lead in the match. The Eagles started the second set in a similar fashion, seeing themselves trailing early. The Eagles were only trailing by four when Bob Jones made a big run, ballooning their lead to 21-12. Faith kept fighting until they once again found themselves in just a four point deficit, but the Bruins would win the second set and tie the match.
The third set saw the teams trade points, as neither team could find a way to lead by mroe than two points until the very end, when Bob Jones found the separation they needed and won the set and the 2-1 advantage in the match. The fourth set was all Bruin volleyball as they stormed to a quick lead and the decisive 3-1 victory over the Eagles (Set scores: 25-22, 19-25, 21-25, 17-25). The Eagles saw big contributions from Codie Wirges (14k, 8d, 2blk), Morgan Fincham (7k, 1blk), Victoria Nerem (6k, 13d), and Qwynn Nerem (30ast, 5k).
The evening match saw this year's national championship frontrunner and top seeded Manhattan Christian face the Eagles. Faith continued to compete well, but could not find answers for what Manhattan threw their way. A bright spot saw the Eagles take a lead in the second set that held until the teams were tied at 14-14 and Manhattan found their rythym again. The Thunder walked out of the match with a 3-0 victory (Set scores: 21-25, 17-25, 18-25).
Faith will have the morning off before they compete in their final pool play match against #8 Ozark Christian College tomorrow at 5:30 PM. Following the first full day of competition, Pool A's standings are as follows:
| SCHOOL | POOL PLAY RECORD |
| #1 Manhattan Christian College | (2-0) |
| #4 Bob Jones University | (1-0) |
| #5 Faith Baptist Bible College | (0-2) |
| #8 Ozark Christian College | (0-1) |
UP NEXT: Faith volleyball will play one match on Thursday to close out pool play as they take on the hosts, #8 Ozark Christian College. First serve in the MPB is set for 5:30 p.m. CT.
