November 4, 2023 

Plainview, TX - The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lady Lions traveled to Plainview, Texas, for a high-stakes Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) showdown against the Wayland Baptist University (WBU) Pioneers. The Lady Lions had their sights set on securing the SAC regular season championship, and they did just that with an impressive three-set victory: 25-15, 25-16, and 25-23.

Opening Set Dominance
In the first set, the Lady Lions demonstrated their offensive firepower, recording 16 kills in just 36 attacks. The relentless attacking was enough to overcome the determined Wayland squad, securing a 25-16 win. Bailee Alexander's impressive swings left the Wayland defense struggling to respond to the Lady Lions' offensive onslaught.

Dynamic Playmaking Duo
The second set saw Cassidy Hargesheimer and Riley Burcham take center stage. Their exceptional court awareness and selfless playmaking abilities were on full display as they orchestrated the SAGU offense. This dynamic duo's passing prowess highlighted why they are considered among the league's most dangerous playmakers.
 

Championship-Level Performance
In the third and final set, Wayland made a strong push to mount a comeback. However, the experienced and poised Lady Lions, led by Emma Tompkins, Tessa Glick, Karena Tipton, Lilly Hanna, and Alexandra Bonnett, held firm. Their leadership and composure were at a championship level, allowing the Lady Lions to close out the match with a 25-23 victory.

With this decisive three-set win, the Lady Lions cemented their position as back-to-back SAC Regular Season Champions. They will now enter the SAC postseason tournament as the No. 1 seed, with their sights set on capturing another conference title. 

"I'm so proud of these girls and how much we have grown this year. 22-6, 19-1 doesn't even come close to the reflection of how much they have grown. God has blessed us with girls who 1. Love Jesus. 2. Love each other. 3. Love SAGU!!! I praise the Lord for allowing me to be a part of something that is truly special," said Head SAGU Volleyball Coach Hank Moore.

As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.