This fall women's volleyball returned to Central Christian College of the Bible for the first time in eight years. With the 2024 season in the books for the Saints and first-year head coach Kelly Cobb, now there is a foundation to build from.

The Saints finished 6-17 overall and 1-7 in Midwest Christian College Conference play, which tied for sixth in the final league standings. Although the CCCB women didn't finish in the upper half of the MCCC or NCCAA Division II standings, it was a major improvement from the last time out, the 2016 season, when the Saints finished 0-16 on the year.

"We fought really hard with the small roster we had," Cobb said. "We fought through injuries, and mostly always being the underdog going into a lot of games." 

The Saints played two scrimmages, then opened the season with a win in their very first match, a 3-2 victory over Kansas Christian College, in which they fought back from a 2-0 deficit to win the final three sets.

"We reverse swept two different teams this season, which shows our fighting spirit and drive to keep playing hard," Cobb said. 

The CCCB women also won multiple matches on the season against Union Adventist University and Barclay College. In the first round of the Central Regional Tournament, the Saints took down Barclay after dropping the first two sets and then storming back.

"That right there showed we had the grit and fight to pull out tough matches," Cobb stated. "A few times this season we had girls go down with injuries during games, but everyone was able to finish out the season. I appreciate all of the girls putting their bodies through a lot!"

The Saints' season came to an end on Nov. 7 in the regional semifinals against third-ranked Manhattan Christian College, who went on to advance to the semifinals of the national tournament.

The CCCB roster, which was comprised on seven freshman and a junior, did not have anyone earn postseason honors, but several Saints stood out, nonetheless.

Freshman setter Hannah Bauer led the team in assists with a 5.3 per set average, while also ranking fifth nationally in service aces with a 0.61 average. She also posted a 93 percent passing efficiency and averaged 3.2 digs per set.

"I’m excited to see Hannah break some records," Cobb said. "Finishing this season, she ranked fifth in the country for most aces this season, while also running a 5-1 offense as a setter. She was a great leader on the floor for us as a freshman."

Junior middle blocker Alaina Woods led the team in attacking with a 2.6 per set average. She also led in blocks with 39 on the season. 

Freshman defensive specialist Caitlin Garmany finished right with Bauer in passing efficiency at 93 percent. She also led the team in digs with 3.5 per set.

"Every single one of our players grew this season and got better at something on the court," Cobb stated. "Every one of our girls had a 'we over me' mentality, and that paid dividends on and off the court.

"Those girls love hanging out, outside of practicing and games, and that shows the team culture and relationships are really great here at CCCB," she added. "Comparing our small roster to all of the teams in our conference and region, most having roster sizes triple ours, we fought really hard and played some tough matches against those teams, and consistently received praise from coaches."

Building a program from scratch had many challenges, but the hardest part is now out of the way.

"I want to continue to lay the foundation for fall of 2025 and make CCCB a name other schools in our conference start to realize is going to be a tough match," Cobb said. "I also am excited to keep reaching out to girls who are excited about the chance to continue to play in college and find those diamonds in the rough who want to come here and continue the legacy we hope to build.

"As a whole, I’m excited for our facilities to get some upgrades and additions, so we can continue to bring more girls in and give them opportunities to pursue a volleyball career here at Central."