Box Score - Ozark Christian College

Box Score - Clearwater Christian College

OMAHA, NE – Every coach hopes to have their team playing their best ball of the year when the postseason arrives.

But for whatever reason, sometimes that just doesn’t happen.

After winning 13 of 15 contests down the stretch, PBU couldn’t put it together when it counted most. Instead, the Crimson Eagles were shocked – twice - in the opening round of pool play during the most important time of the season, ultimately falling in five of their last six outings – an uncharacteristic for a group that won 26 matches on the year.

PBU’s sole triumph during their two day trip to Omaha came at the expense of ninth seeded Ozark Christian College in a contest that the Crimson Eagles were actually trailing from the start. PBU eventually fought back to overcome the Ambassadors by scores of 24-26, 25-19, 25-10, and 25-13 early Friday morning, but it would be all that the volleyball team could muster on a day when a dramatic upset would need to be in the cards in order for PBU to advance.

Clearwater Christian College – a group that had their way with PBU earlier in the year during a 3-0 sweep – managed to effectively prove why they’re the top ranked squad in the nation with their 25-12, 25-10, 25-17 victory over the Crimson Eagles late Friday afternoon. The Cougars, who came into the contest having come out triumphant in 42 of 47 matches on the season, dominated from the start, overpowering PBU with a trio of 6’1 middle hitters that pounded home kill after kill.

The seven time defending national champions will advance to the semi-finals tomorrow, with the loss ending PBU’s hopes of advancing out of pool play.

The Crimson Eagles end the season with an overall record of 26-14.