October 18, 2024
Siloam Springs, AR – The No. 22 Nelson University Lady Lions continued their undefeated run in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) by overcoming John Brown University 3-1 on Friday evening at Bill George Arena. The Lady Lions pushed their overall record to 19-4 and an unblemished 14-0 in SAC play, proving their dominance in a hard-fought match that showcased their versatility and teamwork.
Lady Lions Review
In a thrilling four-set battle, Nelson University secured the victory with set scores of 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, and 25-23, demonstrating both offensive and defensive prowess. The Lady Lions were led by a balanced attack and showcased strong serving and defensive plays that kept John Brown (10-13, 9-6 SAC) at bay.
The first set saw Nelson jump out strong, hitting an impressive .333, thanks to key contributions from Mackenzie Smith, who led the team with 13 kills. Tessa Glick anchored the defense and kept the back row solid, racking up 21 digs throughout the match. The Lady Lions' momentum continued into the second set with a stellar .342 hitting percentage, with Bailee Alexander and Alexandra Bonnett combining for 22 kills.
John Brown mounted a comeback in the third set, where they held Nelson to a .200 hitting percentage, capitalizing on errors and showcasing their own offensive firepower, led by Savanna Riney with 14 kills. Despite the setback, Nelson regrouped and closed out the fourth set, led by smart plays and timely blocks from Samantha Moore and Lilly Hanna.
The Lady Lions excelled at the net, recording 12 total blocks, including key stops from Alexander, Hanna, and Moore, which played a pivotal role in staving off John Brown's persistent offense. Aces were also critical in this contest, with the team tallying 12 aces, five of which came from the hands of Glick.
Nelson's versatility was evident as they out-assisted their opponents 55-41, with Taylor Cavazos and Cassidy Hargesheimer contributing significantly, ensuring the offense stayed fluid and unpredictable. Their defensive effort was led by Glick's 21 digs and steady service reception, allowing them to win key rallies.
Despite John Brown's valiant effort, including strong performances from Savanna Riney and Erin Mullins, the Lady Lions proved too formidable, continuing their SAC dominance.
Next Up
The Nelson Lady Lions will look to extend their winning streak as they head to Point Lookout, MO, for a non-conference matchup against the College of the Ozarks on Saturday, October 19, at 1:00 PM.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU
