The Lady Lions volleyball team fell short against the Berean Bulldogs Thursday losing 3-1.
In a tightly contested match, the Lions and Bulldogs paced a back and forth battle that landed the Lion’s with their first loss of the season. Both teams entered the match undefeated on conference play, and it was reflected throughout the night.
Berean took the first set 25-19 on a six-point run to victory off of Jaylina Johnsons serving.
“We knew that Berean was really good. I had the opportunity to see them in a preseason tournament and was impressed with their size and attacking. Our girls played tough and were not intimidated,” said Coach Dan Heinz.
Emma White ruled the front line recording 5 solo blocks and adding 8 kills. Berean and Mintz battled in the second set with the Bulldogs having to rally from behind to win 25-22.
“We had a great chance but service errors cost us. We are young, and it showed a little bit,” Heinz continued.
MCA didn’t quit. They started the third set with a 7-0 run off of Erynn Sessoms serving. Three aces and a quick offense directed by Courtney Barber had the Lions looking good. Berean called a timeout and came back strong, tying it up at 7 then going ahead by two. The Lions got back on track with a four-point run off Britney Christianson’s serving and several great digs by Caroline Matthews, but Berean just proved to be the better team finishing the set 25-19.
“I am so proud of our girls for the way they competed tonight against a really well-coached team,” Heinz said. “This was a big step forward for us, and I know we will build on it.”
The Lions go back into action Tuesday against Antioch out of Lumberton.