LANGHORNE, PA - Talk about finishing with flair.
The women's volleyball team decided to use a dramatic ending in their 3-2 come-from-behind win over Baptist Bible College in the NEAC Championship. After a season in which the Crimson Eagles have broken numerous program records, the volleyball team can chalk one more up to their historic season: Saturday's win marks the first time any athletic program in PBU history will get a chance to participate in the NCAA III National Tournament.
Additionally, Saturday's momentous win came at the expense of all-too-familiar rival Baptist Bible College, a program that PBU has traditionally struggled against in postseason play and a team that has knocked the Crimson Eagles out of playoffs countless times before. In fact, it marks the first time ever that any PBU volleyball team has beaten the Defenders in a championship game.
Although the Crimson Eagles eventually came out on top with a 3-2 victory, the outset of Saturday's contest didn't begin quite so optimistic. Baptist Bible started off hot and took an initial 17-9 lead in the first game, eventually winning by a score of 30-22. However, PBU responded with a dominating performance in the second set, limiting Baptist Bible to 12 total points to even things at one apiece. The Defenders came roaring back with a 30-20 win in the third contest to hold a 2-1 edge heading into the back end of play.
Down 2-1, PBU maintained their composure and refused to concede, and in the fourth game, took an early 15-5 lead on their way to a 30-19 victory to tie things at 2-2 and force a fifth set. In the tiebreaker, PBU jumped out early and took the first five out of six points on their way to a 15-9 win over the Defenders.
The Crimson Eagles were once again led by their senior captain Becky Williams who, along with racking up 17 kills, 13 digs, and two aces, was named the tournament MVP. Williams had much help from the supporting cast, as freshman Caitlin Hess finished up a phenomenal tournament ending this particular match with 15 kills and five total blocks. Hess led the Crimson Eagles in total overall kills and blocks through the team's two contests this weekend, finishing with 28 and nine, respectively. Sophomore Betsy Ranck added 43 assists, three aces, and nine digs in the winning effort, and sophomore Kay Lynn Zeiset completed the match with 22 digs and three aces.
On top of all the other records and honors, Saturday's victory also pushes PBU into the landmark thirty-win season category for the first time in school history. The Crimson Eagles are currently 30-8 on the year with an impressive 14-2 mark at home. Baptist Bible's season ends with the loss in which the Defenders finished with a 16-17 overall record.
The Crimson Eagles will wait for the seeding to come out for the NCAA tournament which will determine who, when, and where the team plays. Check back to the website later for more details. Congratulations to the women's volleyball team for making history!
