November 1, 2024

Waxahachie, TX — On a high-stakes Friday evening in the Sheaffer Center, the No. 20 Nelson University Lady Lions cemented their place in the record books with a commanding 3-0 victory over Langston University. This win not only marked a triumphant senior night celebration for the Lady Lions but also clinched the outright Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Regular Season Championship, enhancing the team's already stellar season.

The atmosphere in the arena was electric as Nelson University fans gathered to honor the Lady Lions' seniors who took the court for their final regular-season home match. The ceremony highlighted the contributions and dedication of these athletes, setting an emotional and motivated tone for the game.

Match Recap
From the very first serve, the Lady Lions displayed a level of confidence and cohesion befitting champions. The first set saw Nelson flex their offensive might, hitting at an impressive .320 attack percentage and notching 12 kills to Langston's 7. The scoreline read a decisive 25-16 as Nelson comfortably pulled ahead.

In the second set, the Lady Lions faced a slight dip in offensive efficiency but managed to maintain their grip on the game. A gritty effort from standout players like Lilly Hanna, who recorded 8 kills with a notable .400 hitting percentage, and Mackenzie Smith, with 7 kills and key blocks, propelled Nelson to another 25-16 set win.

The third and final set turned into a showcase of Nelson's prowess as they sealed the match with a commanding 25-10 finish. The Lady Lions' consistent serves and sharp defensive plays, led by Lindi Boling's 12 digs and Tessa Glick's clutch aces, left Langston unable to rally.
 

Statistical Highlights

• Nelson tallied 35 kills with a .216 hitting percentage compared to Langston's 14 kills and a negative hitting percentage (-.101).
• The Lady Lions outmatched Langston in assists (34 to 13), digs (55 to 33), and aces (11 to 2).
• Cassidy Hargesheimer's steady hand was evident in her 17 assists and 3 service aces, while Taylor Cavazos added 13 crucial assists.
• Defensively, the Lady Lions' net presence was underscored by Lilly Hanna's 5 total blocks, adding an insurmountable barrier that frustrated Langston's offense.