Volleyball Struggles at Running Eagles Invitational

Marietta, Georgia- On day one of the Running Eagles Classic, the Brenau volleyball team lost matches to Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University (16-25, 17-25, 21-25) and Fisk (Tenn.) University (20-25, 17-25, 21-25) on Friday.

Against Freed-Hardeman (4-0), the Golden Tigers lost the first two sets but took a lead in the third set on a Lions' error to make the score 17-16. Brenau extended the advantage to take its largest lead at 21-17 on a Rachel Hodges ace. However, the Lions rallied to score the final eight points of the set to clinch the match.

Hodges led the Golden Tigers attack with seven kills, while Jordan Diaz posted 14 digs. MacKenzie Kirby also added 10 digs.

In the second match of the day, Brenau pushed Fisk University (1-7) in each set but came up just short in a three set loss.

After dropping the first two sets, the Golden Tigers cut into the Fisk lead in the third set as MacKenzie Kirby notched a kill off a Sydney Norton assist to make the score 21-20. Brenau tied the score at 21-21 on an attack error by Jayla Johnson. After the Bulldogs scored the next three points to take a 24-21 advantage, the Golden Tigers posted the next two points to cut the deficit to 24-23. However, the Bulldog's Skye Foucher closed out the match with a kill to help Fisk escape with the win.

Hodges again led the Golden Tigers with 11 kills and setters Sydney Norton and Nitaira Wilkes combined for 26 assists.

Brenau (0-6 overall) will take on Southeastern (Fla.) University and host Life (Ga.) University at 11 am and 5 pm respectively on Saturday.