Biola wins in the fifth set of championship game rematch

In a rematch of the 2013 NAIA Championship game, Biola upsets the University of Texas at home.

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Junior setter Ashton Arbuthnot jumps to set the ball for her teammate at their game against Hope International on Oct. 11. | Johnathan Burkhardt/THE CHIMES

Jack Finck, Writer

Biola upset the University of Texas at Brownsville at home on Oct. 23 in a rematch of the 2013 NAIA Championship game where Biola lost 3-0. The Eagles traded sets with the Ocelots pushing the game into the fifth set where Biola won 15-7.

“This time we were able to minimize our errors,” said junior outside hitter Joclyn Kirton. “Whenever we got done we kept their runs to a minimum. We decided we need to pick it up.”

The Ocelots took the first set 25-19, making 17 kills and only two errors. Biola came back in the second set to win 25-17 and tie the match score at one set each. Texas Brownsville won the third 26-24 and the Eagles took the fourth 25-15, forcing a fifth set.

“We were feeling really good,” said Kirton. “We know we haven’t had the greatest history with the fifth set this season, but we just knew that we were going to get this game tonight and we came out strong. We knew that if we were to get a run on them quick that they would just kind of roll over.”

Biola took the fifth set 15-7 thanks to four kills by senior middle blocker Amy Weststeyn. The Eagles are now 21-4 this season with a 9-1 conference record.

Kirton led the team with 21 kills and five blocks, followed by Weststeyn who had 15 kills, four aces and five blocks. Junior setter Aston Arbuthnot and freshman setter Allison Spencer also led the Eagles with 28 assists each.

Biola plays next at Vanguard University on Oct. 25. The Eagles beat the Lions 3-0 earlier this season.

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