NAMPA, Idaho — Unfortunately a perfect day was not in the cards for Biola Volleyball during day two of the Nighthawk Classic. The Eagles matched up with the Augustana Vikings from South Dakota and suffered the team's third 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-22) loss of the season.

It was another match where the sweep scoreline could certainly be misleading as Biola kept each set within reach, including a very close third game that saw BU finish just three points back from the Vikings, who improved to 4-3 overall with their win.

The Augustana offense was locked in throughout this one, hitting .323 as a team. It was their second time this season hitting above .300. Biola's defense could not find an answer specifically for the Vikings' middle blocker Maya Wente, who went off for nine kills at a .643 clip.

There were nine different lead changes throughout the match as Biola fought to keep pace, but the Eagles' less successful hitting effort ultimately held them back from any set wins. Biola matched Augie in kills overall, but hit nearly .200 less than the opponent. This was caused in large part by the Augustana blocking front. Biola was out-blocked 9-to-1. It's the fifth time in the seven matches so far this season that Biola's block was behind.

For the fifth time this season, Madison Moore led Biola's attack. She's led the effort in each match out in Idaho so far. This time she added 12 to put her team-high season total at 85. 

The third set was an encouraging one to end on for Biola. They corrected the course by hitting over .300 after hitting in the negative in set two. Bri Bellfi's defensive effort played a big role in Biola's ability to get back into the offensive swing. She led all players in this match with 16 digs. Bri has had double-figure digs in all matches this season and is already more than halfway to last season's total with 130 digs across these first seven matches

Biola has one more preseason tune-up out in Nampa. The Eagles face Saint Martin's (1-5) on Saturday at 8 a.m. PT. Saint Martin's is 0-2 at this tournament, suffering 5-set losses to Westminster (UT) and Colorado School of Mines.

That match will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/9OZWBMxaygc. Biola is 1-0 all-time against Saint Martin's but Saturday's meeting will mark their first matchup in 25 years.