Briar Cliff University

The Briar Cliff women's volleyball team celebrated Senior Day Saturday afternoon at the Newman Flanagan Center, battling Mount Marty in a five-set contest. The Chargers rallied to win the second and third sets, but the Lancers claimed the final two frames to take a 3-2 victory.

Mount Marty took the opening set 25-16, using a strong offensive performance to build an early advantage. Briar Cliff continued to fight throughout the frame, with Brooklyn Voss and Emma Brenelli contributing kills, but the Lancers maintained their lead to go up 1-0 in the match.

The Chargers responded in a back-and-forth second set that featured several momentum swings. BCU found its rhythm offensively and built a late lead, but Mount Marty battled back to force extra points. With the set tied at 26-26, Aubrey Hoeft delivered a kill before Caton Firkins finished the frame with another kill to give the Chargers a hard-fought 28-26 win and even the match.

Briar Cliff carried that momentum into the third set, putting together a strong team performance. The Chargers kept pressure on the Lancers and used key kills from Brianna Wittrock, Voss and Brenelli to maintain their advantage late. BCU closed out the set 25-21 to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

Mount Marty answered in the fourth set, building an early advantage and pulling away to even the match at two sets apiece. The Chargers continued to battle, but the Lancers secured a 25-17 victory to send the contest to a decisive fifth set.

The teams traded points in the final frame, with Briar Cliff staying within striking distance throughout. The Chargers tied the set at 12-12 late, keeping their comeback hopes alive. Mount Marty scored the next point, and although BCU continued to fight, the Lancers closed out the set 15-13 to earn the five-set victory. 

Brenelli led the Charger offense with 14 kills, while Voss added 12 kills and a team-high seven block assists. Hoeft contributed eight kills and six block assists, while Aliyah Rhynalds recorded seven kills. Firkins added five kills and five total blocks, including one solo block and four block assists. 

Reese Strouth recorded 22 assists, while Mia Torchia added 20 assists and 13 digs. Ireland Jackson led the defensive effort with 24 digs and added two service aces. 
 
Despite the hard-fought five-set battle on Senior Day, Briar Cliff came up just short against Mount Marty. The Chargers return to action on Wednesday, October 14, traveling to Sioux Center, IA to take on the No.21 Dordt Defenders.