The Briar Cliff women's volleyball team kicked off the 2026 season with a split performance. They lost narrowly to Avila 3-2 in the first match but rebounded impressively to defeat Peru State 3-0. After this weekend, the Chargers stand at 1-1 for the season.

By the Numbers
  • First match: BCU lost to Avila 3-2.
  • Second match: BCU won against Peru State 3-0 with set scores of 25-14, 25-15, and 25-14.
  • Alexis Even led in kills in the first match with 12, while in the second match, three players recorded six kills each.
  • The team's hitting percentage against Peru State was .382, while holding them to -.011.
Yes, But

Despite a strong showing against Peru State, the close loss to Avila raises concerns about BCU's performance under pressure, especially given their struggle to maintain leads in crucial moments.

State of Play
  • Briar Cliff鈥檚 next matches will take place at the Siouxland Showdown on August 21.
  • Upcoming opponents include Mayville State and Bethel, which will test the team's resilience following the split.
What's Next

The Chargers will aim to build on their momentum from the win against Peru State as they prepare for the Siouxland Showdown. This upcoming tournament will be crucial for establishing their season trajectory.

Bottom Line

BCU's ability to bounce back after a defeat highlights their potential; however, addressing their vulnerabilities will be vital for advancing their season and achieving consistent performance.