September 15, 2023

Waxahachie, TX - Friday evening in the Abe Lemon Area, the No. 23 Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lady Lions volleyball team faced off against the Oklahoma City University (OCU) Stars in a highly anticipated showdown. As the preseason favorites, the Lady Lions knew they had a target on their backs, but they entered the road contest with confidence and determination.

Lions Review
From the very first serve, it was evident that the Lady Lions meant business. Their crisp passing, stunning swings, and impeccable net protection left no room for doubt about their dominance on the court.

The opening set set the tone for the match, with SAGU securing a decisive 25-17 victory. Their seamless teamwork and precise execution made it clear why they held the top spot in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) preseason poll.

As the contest continued, the Lady Lions showed no signs of slowing down. They claimed the second set with a score of 25-19, demonstrating their versatility and adaptability in the face of a determined OCU team.

In the third and final set, the Lady Lions once again showcased their mettle, emerging victorious with a score of 25-16. Their unrelenting determination and unwavering focus propelled them to their sixth consecutive three-set sweep victory.

SAGU Head Volleyball Coach Hank Moore's post-game remarks capture the essence of tonight's spectacular performance by the Lady Lions. A true team effort led to a resounding victory, and the balance in attack was a sight to behold. Let's break down the standout performances:

Emma Tompkins: The star of the night, leading with nine kills and an impressive .467 hitting percentage. Her four assist blocks highlighted her defensive prowess.

Abby Wells: Contributed eight kills and showcased incredible agility with three diving digs that proved pivotal in intense rallies.

Bailee Alexander: Secured six kills, adding to the well-rounded offensive display.

Karena Tipton & Lilly Hanna: Both notched four kills each and maintained an excellent .273 hitting percentage. Tipton and Tompkins were dominant at the net with five crucial blocks in the third set. Karena's eight assist blocks were crucial throughout the match.

Cassidy Hargesheimer: The freshman sensation, with a double-double performance, recording 14 assists and 13 digs, highlighting her versatility and poise on the court.

Riley Burcham: Led the team in assists with 19, showcasing her playmaking abilities and contribution to the balanced attack.

The Next Step
The upcoming match for the Lady Lions promises to be another exciting chapter in their journey. On September 16th (Saturday) at 1:00 PM, they will be facing off against John Brown University (Ark.).

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.