Eagles Battle Hard in Faith Classic

Ankeny, IA - The Eagles went 2-2 this past weekend in their Faith Classic tournament. The event featured three NCCAA Top 10 teams in North Central (5), Faith (6), and Randall (9). Faith defeated Trinity Bible (3-0) and Maranatha Baptist University (3-1) on Friday, before falling in five sets to Randall University and North Central University. Faith is now 9-4 on the year.

On Friday Faith took on region opponents Trinity Bible and Maranatha Baptist. Faith was in control in the opening match against Trinity. Earlier in the year Faith faced Trinity at a neutral site and defeated them 3-1. Faith only needed three sets this time, winning 25-18, 25-14, and 25-21. Seniors Rachel Forgie and Audrey Glandon led the Eagles in kills with 13 and 12 respectively. Freshman Codie Wirges also finished in double-digit kills with 10.

The Eagles second match of the day was against Maranatha Baptist University. A second set hiccup was the only drawback in this match, as Faith won sets one (25-18), three (25-23), and four (25-16) to earn the win. Forgie again led the Eagles with 13 kills. 

Heading into Saturday, the Eagles faced two top 10 teams in Randall University and North Central University. Faith faced off against Randall first, and Randall entered the match undefeated in the tournament. Faith started the match flat, dropping the first set 25-9. Set two found the Eagles finding some life, as they battled to extra points but ultimately still fell 24-26. Facing a daunting 0-2 score, the Eagles showed tremendous heart, taking set three 25-17 and keeping their hopes alive. Faith continued their momentum and earned another win in set four, setting up a decisive fifth set. In set five, Faith appeared to have the momentum and be headed toward a fifth-set win as they jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead. However, Randall quickly flipped the script as they went on a 10-3 run to take a commanding 10-5 lead. Faith was unable to overcome the deficit and fell in the fifth set 15-11.

The Eagle's final match of the game found the Eagles facing region rival North Central University. Faith faced North Central two weeks ago in Minneapolis and fell 3-1. Saturday's match found the Eagles with the possibility of evening the season series at 1-1, as they won sets two and three after dropping the first set. The Rams retook the momentum in set four, blowing open the game after an early 6-6 tie and eventually tying the match at two apiece with a 25-17 win. Faith regained that momentum to start their second deciding fifth set of the day, jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead. Unfortunately, that was the only lead the Eagles would hold in the match, as North Central reeled off 13 straight points, ultimately defeating Faith 15-6 in the fifth set. Despite the day two losses, the Eagles showed they deserve their to p10 ranking and showcased what will be an exciting regional tournament when the NCCAA North Region comes to town in November for the regional tournament.

The Eagles return to action on Tuesday, September 26, when they will travel to Dubuque, IA to take on conference opponent Emmaus Bible College in a 6pm start.