LA MIRADA---The Biola volleyball team sent their seniors off in style, coming back from behind to defeat Azusa Pacific 16-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-19 at Chase Gymnasium.

All six seniors (Dominique Kirton, Abby Brewster, Abigail Copeland, Emily Smith, Meredith Fisher, Mary McDonnell) were able to contribute to what would be an exciting win over APU and exciting ending of their collegiate careers.

The Eagles lost the first set 16-25, but would come back and win the second set (25-23). The Cougars took an early lead, but Biola would keep their faith and tie the game at 6-6. On the next point, Biola stole the momentum and secured a 7-6 lead thanks to an APU service error. BU held the lead until APU went on a four-point run which put the Eagles behind 20-19. Biola worked their way out from behind once again and grabbed the lead back on a four-point run that put them ahead 22-20. Brewster had one service ace during the run and Kirton had two kills.

BU kept control of the lead for the remainder of the set, eventually winning 25-23. The Eagles hit repeat in the third set where they went on to beat APU again 25-23.

The third set contained less back and forth and had more long runs. Brewster led her team in the third with seven kills and Kirton was right behind her with five. Gracie Guy led the squad with three block assists, Brewster and Fisher had two and Copeland had one.

Biola won the first point of the third set, courtesy of a kill by Guy, and would go on to take control of the set at 5-5 where BU went on a seven-point run. Ashlyn Beebe tied the set up at 5-5, setting the tone with a service ace and then the Eagles would fly to 11-5 thanks to two blocks, two kills and one Cougar error. Brewster, Guy, and Copland had blocks and the kills were committed by Brewster and Kirton.

Azusa Pacific wouldn't back down easily and would go on a six-point run that gave them a two-point advantage (14-12). The Eagles held their composure and took over the lead at 17-16, thanks to a kill by Copeland, and would hold the lead until their eventual 25-23 win.

Biola took care of business in the fourth, closing the door with their 25-19 victory. The Eagles had 17 kills in the fourth to the Cougars 11. Five of the six seniors who were playing in their last collegiate volleyball game had at least one kill. Smith led her team with five, Brewster had four, Kirton and Fisher had three and Copeland and Guy had one. The sixth senior, McDonnell, had a service ace in their fourth-set victory. 

Biola's overall statistical leaders were Kirton with 17 kills, Guy with six blocks, Brewster with 28 assists and Bellfi with 25 digs.

The volleyball team's win also scored Biola 10 Cornerstone Cup points where the Eagles lead the Cougars 30-20. 

Lastly, Biola finsihed the 2023 season 18-9 overall and 14-6 in the PacWest Conference which translates to a third place finish for BU led by head coach Aaron Seltzer.