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Christian Brothers University Athletics

VB24 Thornell
Pastor Arkoh, Photographer
1
Christian Brothers CB 6-14,2-8 Gulf South
3
Winner Lee Lee 13-10,7-4 Gulf South
Christian Brothers CB
6-14,2-8 Gulf South
1
Final
3
Lee Lee
13-10,7-4 Gulf South
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Christian Brothers CB 18 14 25 19 (1)
Lee Lee 25 25 21 25 (3)

Game Recap: Volleyball | | James Garcia, Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

CBU shows grit and resilience in four-set defeat to Lee

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Despite falling to Lee (13-10, 7-4 GSC) in a hard-fought 3-1 match (18-25, 14-25, 25-21, 19-25), Christian Brothers (6-14, 2-8 GSC) showed grit and resilience in their Gulf South Conference clash on Tuesday evening at Paul Dana Walker Arena. The Lady Bucs pushed a strong Lee team to the limit in multiple sets and secured an impressive third-set victory, showcasing their potential.

Key Moments and Highlights:

Set 1: Battling Back Early

Christian Brothers started the first set with determination, trading points with Lee early on. The Lady Bucs showed their defensive capabilities, led by Tia Rizvi, who made key digs that helped extend rallies. Although Lee pulled away towards the middle of the set, Christian Brothers continued to fight, with outside hitter Calah Jackson stepping up with powerful swings. Jackson recorded crucial kills, supported by setter Sarah Allyn Thornell, who distributed the ball well. Despite the 25-18 loss, Christian Brothers displayed their ability to hang tough against a well-rounded Lee offense.

Set 2: Searching for Rhythm

In the second set, Christian Brothers faced difficulties with errors but continued to battle. Thornell continued to be a steady presence for the Lady Bucs, while the front line, led by Jackson and middle blocker Jordan Allen, worked hard to penetrate Lee's strong defense. Christian Brothers' efforts at the net were highlighted by Allen's blocks, which disrupted some of Lee's attacks. Though the Lady Bucs dropped the set 25-14, they showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the latter part of the set as they began to adjust to Lee's aggressive serving game.

Set 3: Grit and Victory

Christian Brothers' standout moment came in the third set, where their resilience paid off in a 25-21 victory. With the match on the line, the Lady Bucs dug deep and delivered one of their best performances of the season. Jackson was instrumental once again, hammering down kills from all angles, while Thornell kept the offense flowing with well-timed sets to both the front and back rows. Allen and Ella Schumacher also stepped up with key blocks and timely kills, helping to disrupt Lee's rhythm. The Lady Bucs hit an impressive .382 in the set, capitalizing on Lee's defensive lapses and forcing errors. The win was a testament to the team's ability to regroup and execute under pressure.

Set 4: Fighting Until the End

In the fourth set, Christian Brothers continued to press Lee, keeping the score close for much of the set. Jackson remained a reliable force at the net, while Schumacher also found her groove. Thornell's playmaking was crucial, as she kept Lee's defense on their toes by spreading the ball to various hitters. Despite their strong start, Christian Brothers was unable to maintain the momentum as Lee edged ahead. The set ended 25-19 in Lee's favor, but the Lady Bucs never let up, fighting for every point and refusing to go down without a battle.

Standout Performances:

  • Calah Jackson: Jackson was a standout for Christian Brothers, leading the team with 15 kills. She was the go-to hitter in key moments, especially in the third set when her offensive firepower helped secure the win. Jackson's ability to find gaps in Lee's defense was crucial to Christian Brothers' attack.
  • Sarah Allyn Thornell: Thornell was the engine behind Christian Brothers' offense, dishing out 39 assists. Her court vision and ability to make quick, smart decisions kept the Lady Bucs competitive, and she also contributed defensively with 10 digs.
  • Jordan Allen: Allen's presence at the net was a significant factor for Christian Brothers. She not only contributed with six kills but also played a key role in blocking, with three total blocks to her name. Her defensive efforts helped disrupt Lee's attack on several occasions.
  • Ella Schumacher: Schumacher played a key role in Christian Brothers' offense, tallying 14 kills. Her contributions were particularly noticeable in the third set, where her combination of power and precision helped keep the Lady Bucs in the lead.

Team Analysis:

  • Defensive Effort: Christian Brothers showed great resilience on defense, with key players like Rizvi and Thornell making crucial digs throughout the match. Their defensive discipline helped extend rallies and gave their hitters opportunities to counter-attack.
  • Offensive Potential: While Christian Brothers struggled with consistency in the first two sets, their performance in the third set demonstrated their offensive potential. The Lady Bucs hit .382 in that set, showing that when they limit errors and find their rhythm, they can compete with any team in the conference.
  • Areas for Improvement: Christian Brothers faced challenges with errors, particularly in the second set, where they hit a negative percentage. Reducing attack errors and maintaining focus under pressure will be key areas of improvement moving forward. Their passing under Lee's aggressive serving also faltered at times, leading to out-of-system plays.

Looking Ahead:

While Christian Brothers fell short in this match, there are plenty of positives to take away. The third-set victory was a clear demonstration of their potential to challenge strong opponents, and if they can build on that performance, they have the tools to be a more consistent threat in the Gulf South Conference. The leadership of players like Jackson and Thornell, combined with improvements in their overall consistency, will be key to their success as they look to finish the season strong.
 
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