The Eagles Record 2 Wins in Opening Conference Weekend VS. SMC & CIU

Waleska, Ga. - The Reinhardt University women's volleyball team, kicked off their conference schedule with two decisive victories over Spartanburg Methodist College & Columbia International. The Eagles now sit with an overall record of 10-4 and are 2-0 in the AAC. Up next, the Eagles will be hosting Brenau this Tuesday, September 23rd, at 6:30pm.

RU vs. SMC

The game unfolded in four sets, with Reinhardt taking an early lead by winning the first set 25-20. However, Spartanburg Methodist countered in the second set, taking it 25-22. The Eagles quickly regained their composure and clinched the next two sets, 25-22 and 25-14, securing the win. This performance highlighted the Eagles' resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure.

Notable contributors to the Eagles' success included Faith Breitbarth, who led with 14 kills and 3 blocks, alongside Jenna Smith and Breah Watson, who also made significant impacts both offensively and defensively. The defensive game was strong with Sylvia Aguado recording 14 digs. Ashlynn Barnes played a crucial role with 24 assists and 2 service aces, demonstrating the team's strategic execution.

RU vs. CIU:

The first set saw the Eagles setting a strong pace with a 25-18 win, reflecting their aggressive gameplay and effective strategies. Key players like Faith Breitbarth and Jenna Smith contributed significantly, with 11 and 10 kills respectively, establishing an early lead that set the tone for the rest of the match. The second set was more contested, ending in a tight 28-26 score, showcasing the resilience and tactical prowess of both teams. The tense back-and-forth rallies kept the outcome uncertain until the final points were scored by the Eagles.

The third and final set continued the nail-biting competition, with the Eagles narrowly securing a win with a score of 25-23. Notable performances included Breah Watson, who not only provided 4 kills but also stood out defensively with the highest blocks in the game, totaling 6. Faith Breitbarth also demonstrated her all-around capabilities by contributing both in offense and defense with 7 digs and an ace to her name. The teamwork was further evidenced by strategic assists from Halle Janik and Ashlynn Barnes, who each supported the team's offense with 18 assists.

Other significant contributions came from players focused on defense and service. Juliette Baffico had 13 digs and scored the highest in service aces, tallying 3 in the match. These performances underscored the comprehensive training and preparation routines of the Eagles, making them a formidable contender in the league.