The Bryan College volleyball team concluded their opening weekend of the 2026 season with a 2-1 record, splitting two matches on Saturday. They secured a five-set win against Blue Mountain Christian University but fell in four sets to unbeaten Ave Maria University. The Lady Lions demonstrated resilience, showcasing impressive individual performances during both matches, especially from Shelby Kelly, who stood out offensively throughout the day.

By the Numbers
  • Bryan recorded 58 kills, 57 assists, 89 digs, and 13 service aces against Blue Mountain Christian.
  • Against Ave Maria, they achieved 40 kills, 38 assists, and 59 digs.
Yes, But

While the Lady Lions displayed strong performances, the loss to Ave Maria reveals the need for further consistency, especially in critical sets. The split signifies both their potential and the challenges faced against tougher competition.

State of Play
  • The Lady Lions gained valuable experience with several tightly contested matches.
  • They are still establishing their team identity with several new players contributing this season.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Bryan will focus on preparing for their home opener against Oakwood University on August 25, where they aim to build on their early season momentum and improve their overall performance.

Bottom Line

This opening weekend showcased the Lady Lions' competitive spirit and potential, but it also highlighted areas for improvement as they move forward. The team鈥檚 ability to learn from their experiences will be crucial for upcoming matches.