Eagles Learn Valuable Lessons Against Nation's Best
August 25, 2018
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Saturday marked the final day of the Crossroads Challenge in Kentucky, but the afternoon's festivities could have also been the most battle-tested stretch of volleyball in school history.
The Eagles dropped both their matches on day two of the event in straight sets – to No. 1 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) (10-25, 15-25, 22-25) and No. 17 Georgetown (Ky.) (10-25, 24-26, 23-25) – but got continuously better as the contests went on.
"We had the opportunity to play the defending national champions and current No. 1 team in the country and they didn't disappoint," lead Eagle Brian Goodhind said. "Lindsey Wilson played very well offensively and had a solid defensive system. As a team only in season two of a rebuild, I thought we did a few things well and it definitely was another match that will be valuable for us as we continue to grow as a team and program.
"This weekend was up-and-down for the program if I'm being honest. We had a huge win versus a top 25 team, but in a lot of areas we showed we are a ways away from where we want to be. My hope is that the 'team' will be the one that steps and shows the focus and discipline to do the hard work it will take to get where we are trying to take this program. The goal was to come here and play top 25 teams so our kids could see the level it takes to compete for a national championship. We will see how they respond as we move forward."
Tessa Colden and Savanna Davis each had eight kills against the Blue Raiders as Reinhardt found their footing in the second set. The offense was put in some good positions to score by Carlee Baxter, who owned a team-best 15 assists.
Lindsey Wilson was just too strong throughout the afternoon and wouldn't allow Reinhardt to gain enough traction on the scoreboard to get over the hump.
On defense, Shadaisha Summerall blocked three scoring attempts.
The Eagles (4-4) started slow again in the nightcap against the Tigers, and one more time had to try to dig out of an early deficit. Reinhardt continued to find its stride in the final two stanzas against Georgetown, but couldn't quite make the necessary plays to close out set two or set three.
The Tigers, on the other hand, were able to navigate their way through the Eagles' threats to take the match, 3-0.
Davis led the way with 11 kills, and Baxter again helped orchestrate the offensive attack with 18 dimes. She also was tops in digs with nine, along with Angel Cornista.
The squad has a few days off to continue to work hard in practice as it prepares for the Life (Ga.) Tournament in Marietta beginning on Aug. 31 against Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.).
First serve is set for Noon.
For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram.
For more information on Reinhardt Volleyball, please click here.
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Saturday marked the final day of the Crossroads Challenge in Kentucky, but the afternoon's festivities could have also been the most battle-tested stretch of volleyball in school history.
The Eagles dropped both their matches on day two of the event in straight sets – to No. 1 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) (10-25, 15-25, 22-25) and No. 17 Georgetown (Ky.) (10-25, 24-26, 23-25) – but got continuously better as the contests went on.
"We had the opportunity to play the defending national champions and current No. 1 team in the country and they didn't disappoint," lead Eagle Brian Goodhind said. "Lindsey Wilson played very well offensively and had a solid defensive system. As a team only in season two of a rebuild, I thought we did a few things well and it definitely was another match that will be valuable for us as we continue to grow as a team and program.
"This weekend was up-and-down for the program if I'm being honest. We had a huge win versus a top 25 team, but in a lot of areas we showed we are a ways away from where we want to be. My hope is that the 'team' will be the one that steps and shows the focus and discipline to do the hard work it will take to get where we are trying to take this program. The goal was to come here and play top 25 teams so our kids could see the level it takes to compete for a national championship. We will see how they respond as we move forward."
Tessa Colden and Savanna Davis each had eight kills against the Blue Raiders as Reinhardt found their footing in the second set. The offense was put in some good positions to score by Carlee Baxter, who owned a team-best 15 assists.
Lindsey Wilson was just too strong throughout the afternoon and wouldn't allow Reinhardt to gain enough traction on the scoreboard to get over the hump.
On defense, Shadaisha Summerall blocked three scoring attempts.
The Eagles (4-4) started slow again in the nightcap against the Tigers, and one more time had to try to dig out of an early deficit. Reinhardt continued to find its stride in the final two stanzas against Georgetown, but couldn't quite make the necessary plays to close out set two or set three.
The Tigers, on the other hand, were able to navigate their way through the Eagles' threats to take the match, 3-0.
Davis led the way with 11 kills, and Baxter again helped orchestrate the offensive attack with 18 dimes. She also was tops in digs with nine, along with Angel Cornista.
The squad has a few days off to continue to work hard in practice as it prepares for the Life (Ga.) Tournament in Marietta beginning on Aug. 31 against Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.).
First serve is set for Noon.
For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram.
For more information on Reinhardt Volleyball, please click here.