Mount Hope, WV - Day two of Mideast Regional play started out with your #2 ranked GBC Tigers competing against #3 seed Johnson University.

Communication, effort, momentum, aggressiveness. The Tigers proved early they were ready to do work. GBC jumped to a 2-0 lead over the Royals with back to back victories, outscoring Johnson 25-14, 25-14.

After an early deficit in set three, the Tigers regrouped and chipped away at Johnson's lead point by point. Late in the game, Grace fought for momentum and tied the score at 17-17. From there, points were traded back and forth until, at 22-22, the Tigers shut the door with a string of solid plays. Final score of match three ended in favor of Grace at 25-22 earning the overall match victory 3-0.

"All aspects of our game were clicking this morning," Coach Becky Karsten said. "It was just the momentum we needed to head strong into semi-finals."

Notable contributions against Johnson: Adrianna Bunce with 10 kills, Kylee Maat with 8, Amy Leszinske with 5. Bunce, Maat and Leszinske also led in digs with 12, 9, and 8 respectively. Maat added 3 aces. Team total of 12 blocks; Leszinske led with 5. Ashley Bearden earned 26 set assists.

Grace entered the semi-finals 3-0 to take on the Bulldogs of Boyce College. It was another great showing as, for the fourth time in a row of Regional action, the Tigers took three straight sets from their opponents. Final scores against Boyce were 25-13, 25-18, 25-15 as Grace earned another 3-0 victory.

"We didn't just show up to play today," Coach Becky Karsten said. "We knew that Boyce was going to offer good competition and our girls came ready to play great ball right out of the gates. We executed well today and are eager to what tomorrow holds."

Notable contributions against Boyce: Emma Summerfield led with 10 digs. Amy Leszinske collected 5 aces. Leszinske and Bearden led with 7 kills apiece.  

Setter Ashley Bearden was awarded the game for the day. During the second match alone, she hit .700% attack percentage while earning 7 kills. Bearden's totals on the day included 11 kills, 3 aces, 47 set assists and 4 aces. Aside from impressive stat numbers, she commanded the court and out-hustled her competition. Her contagious attitude and effort helped lead the Tigers as they earned a seat at the championship table.

GBC plays Kentucky Christian University for the Mideast Regional Finals Saturday at Noon. Let's go Tigers!