Whether it was the five game win over Neumann College on the road, a wonderful rematch from the Defender Invitational where Neumann got the best of Baptist Bible in four, or the 3-0 win over Keuka College in the NEAC Championship; simply put, the women’s volleyball team finished an extraordinary year in 2006.
After finishing the regular season 18-13 the Lady Defenders entered the postseason with opportunity in front of them. On October 28 they traveled to Philadelphia Biblical University for the NCCAA II East Region Tournament. After defeating Valley Forge Christian College they were able to face the host university to make good on an earlier season loss and capture the East title.
After the East Region and one week later, the Lady Defenders traveled to Keuka College for the NEAC Championship. Three matches later and wins over Polytechnic University, Villa Julie College and Keuka College; Baptist Bible College swept the NEAC Championship and won the right to participate in the NCAA National Tournament, the first invitation ever for BBC. The Lady Defenders fought hard in their tournament game against Steven’s Technical Institute but came up short on a second round advance. However, in the future they can claim veteran status in the tourney and look forward to making the trip again.
Above and beyond their success on the court, the players learned other valuable lessons. First, they learned what it takes to compete at a high level and what it will take to be competitive at that level in years to come. They recognized the power of individual sacrifice for the sake of the team as players were willing to play in positions where the team needed them and saw the benefits of such sacrifice. Lastly, they learned the value of friendship and how much fun a meal can be after a post tournament loss as players spent one last opportunity in New Jersey to be together as a team before returning home.
Looking forward to next year, the Lady Defenders anticipate making an impact for Christ on the teams and individuals that they come in contact with. Lord willing they will play hard and put there experience to work to make an NCAA tournament run. Coach Shumaker is enthusiastic about working with new and returning players this next fall and he is interested in seeing how new player personalities will mix and strengthen this close knit team.
