EOU Volleyball Splits on First Day at Azusa Tourney
AZUSA, Calif. -- The Eastern Oregon University volleyball team traveled to Southern California knowing it would face some stiff competition at the Azuza Pacific tournament. After falling to No. 4-ranked Biola 3-0 in the first game of a doubleheader, the Mounties fought back to knock off The Masters 3-2 to earn a split on the first day.
The Mountaineers had strong performances from some new and some familiar faces. 2007 All-American Grace Deboodt got off to a great 2008, tallying 44 kills on the day. Freshman newcomers, Jessica Lea and Melanie Ceciliani also helped fuel the Mountie offense after getting over some first-game jitters.
In game one EOU struggled against national power Biola University, losing 25-15, 25-11 and 25-18. According to EOU coach Kaki McLean the experience was a good one, "It's tough to open your season against the No. 4 team in the nation but I think this young team learned a lot in a short amount of time."
The second game saw the Mounties bounce back from 2-0 deficit to win three straight over The Masters College (16-25, 19-25, 26-24, 25-18).