FULLERTON, Calif. - The Bushnell volleyball team suffered a third consecutive five-set loss in the morning session, but came back to beat tournament host Hope International University on Saturday afternoon in four sets at the HIU Summer Slam. 

Benedictine-Mesa 3, Bushnell 2 (19-25, 25-22, 25-22, 17-25, 17-15)

The Beacons dropped their morning contest to BenU-Mesa continuing a string a difficult results as they had dropped a pair of five-setters on Friday. Amyah Semau led Bushnell with a double-double, collecting 16 kills  and 13 digs while Leah Agostposted a team-high 17 digs to go with three blocks. In her most extensive action of the young season, Carly Hannah hit .417 with seven kills. Kailey Shirley was credited with 21 digs to lead all players. 

Bushnell 3, Hope International 1 (25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 25-15)

Bushnell was able to right the ship in their final match, closing a three-match losing streak as they knocked off the Royals behind .275 hitting. Hailey Heider provided the offensive fireworks with 16 kills while Julia Cook had six of the Beacons 18 service aces against HIU (1-2). 

After the tournament, the Beacons were able to reflect on the weekend and look forward toward the season ahead. Semau said, "We had some tight games and unfortunately didn't always come out on top. We have alot of key new players and are still trying to figure out our flow, but overall I am extremely proud of this team and the battles we fought despite the outcome."

"We had our ups and downs," added Shirley, "but overall we gained alot of experience as a team. We may not have got the outcome desired, but we are just getting started."

Senior Leah Agost said, "Although we didn't get the results we wanted, we put up some strong fights and learned alot as a team. We did some really good things and ended with a win and I am excited for the season."

UP NEXT: Bushnell (4-3) will play their first home pre-season match since 2019 on Friday when they welcome No. 13 Oklahoma Wesleyan (2-0) into the Morse Center at 5:00 pm as part of their co-hosting duties in the Corban/Bushnell Classic.