Hockett Auditorium was rocking on Tuesday night as the Barclay College Bears volleyball team took on NCCAA Division II 6th ranked Manhattan Christian College (Manhattan, KS). The Crusaders came to town as the defending MCCC regular season and tournament champions.

In the opening set, the Crusaders revealed why they have earned such a high national ranking. With strong offensive play and experienced defense, they jumped on the Bears and took the first set 25-9. Even though the Bears showed a lot of grit and scrappiness, they fell short in the second set 11-25 and then held a 5-0 lead in the third before the Crusaders rallied to take the set and match in three sets.

Statistically, the Bears were led by Sophomore RaeLyn Epp’s eight digs. Offensively, the Bears front line had great swings and multiple touches on blocks, but unfortunately didn’t result in winning rallies.

The Bears (0-6, 0-1) are back at home on Saturday to take on the NCCAA Division II 4th ranked Ambassadors of Ozark Christian (Joplin, MO) at 1:00 PM CST.