MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's volleyball team hosted their ninth annual Running Eagle Classic, competing against Florida National, Spartanburg Methodist, and St. Andrews.  In the first match, the Running Eagles fell short in three sets to a FNU (3-2) team before sweeping SMC in three. 

Match 1: Florida National 3, Life U 0

The Running Eagles fell early against a well-versed Florida National team with.  In the first set, FNU took off early, going on an early 7-1 run to leave the Running Eagles behind the rest of the set, defeating Life U 25-20. Bringing the momentum into the second set the Conquistadors controlled a  huge 19-10 advantage and quickly ended the set with a frame win, 25-18. The third set saw the Running Eagles hold off FNU at the end with bringing the game to a 25-25 hold, until the Conquistadors ended the match with two kills to win 3-0. 

Life U added up 26 kills and eight blocks. Senior Chloe Teter led in this match, leading the team with seven kills and Gabriela Rivera led with 18 assists. 

Match 2: Spartanburg Methodist 0, Life 3

The Running Eagles held strong against Spartanburg Methodist, bringing down the Pioneers 3-0 for their first win of the season. Life U took the match by taking away all three sets, crushing SMC (25-19), (25-16), and (25-20). 

Life U left the night with 36 kills and dominated with nine aces and four blocks. Offensively the Running Eagles were led by senior Chloe Teter with 14 kills, transfer Erica Irby followed with 8 kills while freshman Eilsa Fires recorded six to lead Life U to their first win. Setter Gabriela Rivera led the team with 16 assists. Defensively, freshman Destiny Drakeford added three blocks and Isabella Hanchi tallied ten digs.

Match 3: St. Andrew 0, Life 3

The Running Eagles held strong again against St. Andrews and were able to take down the Knights swiftly in three sets. The Running Eagles shut down the Knights early in a 25-13 win and then too the next two sets (25-19, 25-23). 

Life U ended the match with 28 kills and dominated with 11 aces and seven blocks. Offensively the Running Eagles were led by Destiny Washington and Cassey Kelsey with five kills, transfer Erica Irby followed with three aces. Defensively, Gianna DeVarenne added ten digs and Alexandra Scheele shut the Knights down with four blocks.

Up next, the Running Eagles face Bryan College at 11 a.m., Florida National again at 1 p.m., and Brenau at 5 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.