Not only was Saturday afternoon the Bears regular season opener, but it was their home opener as well. Hockett Auditorium was mostly full to witness the Bears take on NCCAA Division II Southwest Region foe Dallas Christian College (Dallas) to kickoff the 2015 season.

Amidst the excitement and energy of the first home match in two years, the Bears were unable to transfer that energy onto the court. They quickly found themselves in an early 3-16 hole in route to dropping the first set 11-25. After shaking off their first set jitters, the Bears went toe-to-toe with the Crusaders early in the second set. Behind the front row attack and service game of freshman Allison Cochran (Platteville, Colo.), the Bears reeled of five consecutive points to take control of the set and then held on, 25-19, to even the match at one set apiece.

However, the Bears second set consistency was unfound in the final two sets. The Crusaders bounced back from their second set hiccup and played like a team that had already played five matches. Even though freshman Alyssa Swonger (Pratt, Kan.) had moments in which she demonstrated a strong net presence with her six foot frame, the Bears were unable to withstand the Crusaders, losing the final two sets 12-25, and 20-25.

“We played at a high level for a set and a half. If we can play like that more consistently, we could be really good,” said assistant coach Shari Bryan. “I’m just encouraged and excited to see how the girls continue to develop individually and collectively.”

Next Friday, the Bears (0-1, 0-0) will begin their Midwest Christian College Conference play with a tri at Ozark Christian College (Joplin, Mo.). They will take on Calvary Bible College (Belton, Mo.) at 5:30 p.m. and Ozark at 7 p.m.