Bryan Evens Score with Southwestern Assemblies to Create Three-Way Playoff

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Nov. 30, 2007) – After suffering two losses in Thursday’s edition of pool play at the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Volleyball Tournament, the Lady Lions returned on Friday with a fresh mindset. That mindset turned into a victory, as fifth-seeded Bryan defeated #4 Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in three games (30-24, 34-32, 30-27).

Gabrielle Claxton and Amber Smith combined for 27 of Bryan’s 51 kills in the match as the Lions had a team-high .236 attacking percentage in the match. Southwestern Assemblies countered with 38 kills as a team – including 12 by Kelani Keoho – but the other Lions were only able to hit .149 for the match.

Fans were treated to an especially exciting second game that went into extra innings with Bryan winning 34-32.

Both team’s setters were on their mark, as Bryan’s Hannah Suits recorded 39 assists. Rachel Brown added 33 assists for SAGU.

With Bryan’s win, the Lions created a three-way tie for Pool A’s second team, producing playoff between Bryan, Southwestern Assemblies and Northwestern, who all had 1-2 records. After head-to-head records and total game wins were equal between all three teams, the playoff moved to a third tie-breaker that focused on the points given up between the teams. Northwestern gave up the least amount of points, making them the top seed in the three-way tie-breaker. Therefore, SAGU and Bryan had to play again in a single 30-point game with Southwestern Assemblies winning 30-23.

Southwestern will face Northwestern in a one-game battle of the “-western’s” later on Friday evening to determine who advances to Saturday’s semifinal round.