The Thunder volleyball team started their quest for a NCCAA National Championship on Wednesday morning. The Thunder would open tournament pool play with a match-up with the reigning national champions, the #4 seed Bob Jones University Bruins. The Thunder were firing on all cylinders this morning as they would make quick work of the Bruins by way of a sweep (26-24, 25-12, 26-24). Earlier this season, the Bruins would beat the Thunder 3-1 on a neutral floor. Junior, two-time first-team All-American, Liv Lubbers would lead the way for the Thunder with a stellar 13 kills on 31 attempts and only two errors. Lubbers would also have 10 digs and two block assists. Junior, All-American, Jacey Schurle chip in with six kills, six service aces, and four block assists. Sophomore, Josie Mehl would have 30 assists on 38 team kills.

The next task for the Thunder would be a few hours later when they would take on the #1 seed Randall University Saints. The Thunder also dropped a match to the Saints earlier in the season by a score of 3-0. This match would not disappoint as the Thunder would play their second five set match of the season, where they would come out on top, 3-2 (25-23, 9-25, 25-19, 24-26, 15-11). Schurle would have a team-leading 18 kills and five block assist, while Lubbers would have nine kills. Freshman, Ellie Wilson would have 10 kills for Thunder and sophomore, Jozie Kanode would have four service aces and 16 digs.

The Thunder will play their final pool play game tomorrow at 5:30 PM against the #8 seed Grace Christian University Tigers.

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