SAN FRANCISCO – Matching up with new Pacific West Conference member Biola for the first time in program history, Academy of Art Volleyball was competitive with the Eagles, fighting off early leads in the first two sets before falling 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-16) inside Kezar Pavilion on Thursday evening.
Though Biola moved ahead 12-5 to begin the match, but the Urban Knights responded with nine unanswered points to grab their first lead of the night 14-12. Senior outside hitter
Bailey Soolsma opened the run with three straight kills and later freshman libero
Ashley Pawlak delivered back-to-back service aces. Following four ties thereafter, a final 4-2 push helped BU outlast ART U for the 25-23 victory.
A 7-1 Biola run opened the second set yet Academy of Art found itself within three points at 15-12 after rattling off five consecutive points with a pair of kills from Soolsma. In a bit of déjà vu from the first set, the teams were separated by one point at 22-21, but three of the next four went to the visitors for the 25-22 win and a two-set advantage.
BU got ahead once more in the third set by way of a 12-2 surge to start the third set, but the Knights answered with four straight points including two more service aces from Pawlak. After the Eagles scored on four of the next five, the margin proved to be too great and trading points led to a 25-16 final with the sweep.
Academy of Art falls to 4-15 on the season and 1-11 in conference play. Both Soolsma and freshman outside hitter
Kimiah Johnson finished with nine kills apiece, the setter tandem of junior
Alana Lucas and sophomore
Lilika Teu split the assists with 15 and 14 respectively, and Pawlak amassed a match-high 20 digs along with five service aces.
Biola wins its fifth consecutive match, improving their overall record to 13-5 and 7-3 in PacWest. Karly Dantuma posted a team-high 10 kills for the Eagles.
ART U will return to action this Sunday, Oct. 22 when they take on Holy Names in Oakland at Tobin Gymnasium at 3 p.m.
