NEED TO KNOW:
Match 1 Score: Life U 3, Bryan 1
Match 2 Score: Point 3, Life U 2
Final Record: Life U 3-2 at Truett McConnell Invitational
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Life University women's volleyball team wrapped up play at the Truett McConnell Invitational on Saturday, falling in the semifinals to Point. The Running Eagles earned a four-set victory over Bryan in the morning to advance into the semifinals, falling in a five-set thriller to SSAC rival Point University.
Quarterfinal: Life U 3, Bryan 1 (25-20, 18-25, 25-21, 25-19)
Life U came out steady in the morning session, defeating Bryan in four sets to earn a place in the afternoon semifinal. After trading the first two frames, the Running Eagles showed poise late, grinding out a 25-21 third set before closing the match 25-19.
Victoria Davenport led the offense with 12 kills and eight digs, while Katrin Hardardottir added 10 kills on .219 hitting. Jade Watson contributed nine kills and three blocks, and freshman Paola Vega chipped in eight kills and five digs. Setter Fabiana Cruz recorded 19 assists, while libero Reign Jarin provided a defensive spark with 26 digs. Middle blocker Esosa Ehigiator stuffed the net with six blocks as Life held Bryan to just .073 hitting.
Semifinal: Point 3, Life U 2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-13, 25-19, 15-11)
The Running Eagles nearly pulled off a semifinal upset, surging to a 2-0 lead before Point stormed back to claim the final three sets. Life used balance and energy early, taking the first two frames 25-20 and 25-23.
Point flipped momentum in the third set, running away with a 25-13 decision, then capitalized on Life's errors and strong serving down the stretch to edge out the fourth and fifth sets.
Davenport once again paced the offense with 12 kills, while Vega added 10 kills and 14 digs. Cruz dished out 28 assists and added three aces, while Watson chipped in nine kills and two blocks. Ehigiator posted five kills and three blocks, and Jarin collected 13 digs to close out a strong defensive weekend.
Tournament Wrap-Up
Life U finished 3-2 at the invitational, highlighted by a sweep of Brenau and Bryan on Friday.
Tournament Stat Leaders
Up next, the Running Eagles return home for their 2025 SSAC opener. First serve against Faulkner is set for 6 pm on Sept. 5th.
