Box Score LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola played tough and hung with the top-ranked team in the NAIA through much of the match, but could not keep up late as No. 1 Texas-Brownsville defeated the Eagles 25-20, 25-21, 25-18 in a non-conference match on Saturday afternoon.
Biola drops to 23-3 with the loss while the Scorpions improve to 22-1 and end their swing through California with a 2-1 record.
The Eagles received a solid showing from junior middle blocker Chelsee Arnitz, who had 11 kills and posted a .400 attack percentage with two blocks as well. However, she and senior outside hitter Christine Douglas were the lone Biola players with more than six kills with Douglas adding 10.
Overall, the Eagles hit just .205 in the match and recording only three blocks--both well below their season averages.
Biola fell behind early in the first set, trailing 11-5 a little into the match. The Eagles battled back and went on a long 13-8 run to cut the lead to just one at 19-18. But the Scorpions would answer back by scoring six of the final eight points in the set to win 25-20.
The second set opened with the teams going back and forth. Texas-Brownsville broke an 11-11 tie with a quick 5-1 run to stretch the lead up to four at 16-12. Biola responded with a 5-1 run of its own with Joclyn Kirton recording three kills to tie the score at 17-17. But after a timeout, the Scorpions again pulled away late by closing out the set on a 8-4 run to win 25-21.
Biola was not ready to go away quietly and opened the third set strong. The Eagles quickly jumped out to a 6-3 lead and kept the set close through much of it. Biola led 16-15 just past the midway point when things fell apart. Texas-Brownsville scored six-straight points and ended up closing out the match on a 10-2 run to win 25-18.
Kirton finished with six kills and a .294 attack percentage, but she played amazing on serve receive and added a pair of blocks. Sophomore middle blocker Amy Weststeyn had six kills and a block, posting a .417 attack percentage.
Michelle Marques led Texas-Brownsville with 14 kills, 12 digs and three blocks. Vanja Joksic added11 kills and three blocks.
Biola returns to action on Friday, hosting GSAC newcomer Arizona Christian University on Friday at 7:00 p.m.
