WVB

General Braden Mottor

Lady Eagles Dominate Day One, Top BUF and Bob Jones in Thrilling Fashion

The Lady Eagles turned in a statement performance on day one of the 2025 NCCAA South Region Kickoff Tournament, hosted by Bob Jones University, sweeping Baptist University of Florida before storming back for a dramatic reverse sweep over the host BJU Bruins.
 
Match One: Lady Eagles vs. Baptist University of Florida
The Lady Eagles opened tournament play against fellow Eagles from Baptist University of Florida (BUF) at 4 p.m. The first set proved to be the tightest of the match, with the Lady Eagles grinding out a 25–22 win. From there, they gained control, taking the next two sets 25–17 and 25–18 to secure the sweep. A key spark came in the third set when the Lady Eagles trailed 6–4. Sophomore setter Macey Johnson entered the match and immediately provided a lift, recording eight assists in the frame to help close out the match in decisive fashion.

Though BUF held a narrow advantage in service aces, the Lady Eagles outperformed in nearly every other statistical category, leading in points, kills, blocks, assists, and digs. Sophomore outside hitter Sydney Anderson led the attack with 12 kills on 22 attempts, while junior outside hitter Lyssie Metzker followed closely with 10 kills on 22 swings. 
 
Match Two: Lady Eagles vs. Bob Jones University
Less than an hour later, the Lady Eagles took the court again, this time against their long-standing rival and tournament host, the Bob Jones University Bruins.

The Bruins came out strong in the opening two sets, keeping the Lady Eagles on the defensive. Bob Jones used a 19–13 lead late in the first set to hold off a late push and take it 25–19. They carried that momentum into the second, jumping out to a 5–1 lead that the Lady Eagles never fully overcame, falling 25–17 and dropping into a 0–2 hole.

But the third set flipped the match. The Lady Eagles raced to an 8–3 lead, forcing an early Bruins timeout, and never looked back. They kept at least a five-point cushion the rest of the way, taking the set 25–18 and shifting the energy in the gym.

The fourth set was tightly contested until Bob Jones edged ahead 13–12. That's when the Lady Eagles responded with a decisive 5–0 run to grab a 17–13 lead. Out of the timeout, they extended their control, taking three of the next four points before finishing the set 25–18 to force a winner-take-all fifth set.

For the second time this season, the Lady Eagles found themselves in a fifth set, determined to reverse the outcome after a previous loss to Milligan University. The Bruins grabbed a quick 4–1 advantage, but a timeout sparked a 6–0 Lady Eagles run, swinging the lead to 7–4. From there, the Eagles pulled away, outscoring the Bruins 8–4 down the stretch to close the set 15–8 and seal the comeback victory.

The win carried extra weight in the rivalry. Coming into Friday, the Lady Eagles had not beaten Bob Jones since the 2021 South Region Tournament, and the all-time series stood at just 2–22. The reverse sweep not only snapped the drought but also gave the Lady Eagles one of their most dramatic victories in recent history.

Junior Lyssie Metzker capped the match poetically with a service ace for the final point, ending her night of 24 kills on 50 attempts, cementing her as the offensive leader. Sophomore Sydney Anderson followed with 16 kills on 33 swings, giving the Eagles a dominant one-two punch at the net.

In total, Metzker and Anderson combined for 46 of the Lady Eagles' 56 points, powering the offense and proving to be the difference-makers in the comeback victory. 
 
What's Next:
With two wins in Greenville, the Lady Eagles move to 4–2 on the season, including a dramatic reverse sweep against their rival. The experience from early-season battles against NAIA opponents proved valuable, as the team showed resilience, depth, and the ability to finish strong.
 
The Lady Eagles continue play in the South Region Kickoff tomorrow, as they match up with Toccoa Falls College at 9 p.m., immediately followed by Ohio Christian at 11 a.m. After a hard-fought reverse sweep, the Lady Eagles are looking to build on a perfect opening day and end the tournament the way they started.
 
Stay connected with the team by following @eaglespccwvb on Instagram. For full coverage of all PCC Eagles teams, events, and schedules, follow @eaglespcc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Players Mentioned

Macey Johnson

#9 Macey Johnson

S
5' 0"
Sophomore
Lyssie Metzker

#14 Lyssie Metzker

OH
5' 3"
Junior
Sydney Anderson

#15 Sydney Anderson

MH
6' 0"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Macey Johnson

#9 Macey Johnson

5' 0"
Sophomore
S
Lyssie Metzker

#14 Lyssie Metzker

5' 3"
Junior
OH
Sydney Anderson

#15 Sydney Anderson

6' 0"
Sophomore
MH