November 16, 2024
Fort Worth, TX – The Nelson University Lady Lions stepped onto the court Saturday afternoon with hopes of capturing the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament Championship. Despite their determination and a hard-fought performance, the Lady Lions fell 3-0 to Texas Wesleyan University in a spirited match at the Sid Richardson Center.
The opening set saw the Lady Lions and Rams trading points in a back-and-forth affair. Nelson's offensive power was led by Samantha Moore, who tallied 10 kills, and Lilly Hanna, who added nine. Both teams showcased championship grit, but Texas Wesleyan edged out a narrow 25-24 victory, setting the tone for the match.
Nelson's attack improved in the second set as they posted a .279 hitting percentage, with standout efforts from Bailee Alexander and Alexandra Bonnett. Setter Taylor Cavazos orchestrated the offense, dishing out 15 assists while contributing two aces. Despite these efforts, Texas Wesleyan's dynamic hitting led to a 25-21 win, putting the Lady Lions in a 2-0 hole.
In the final set, Nelson displayed its trademark defensive tenacity, led by libero Tessa Glick with 21 digs and solid contributions from Lindi Boling and Taylor Cavazos. However, Texas Wesleyan's balanced attack and composure proved too much as the Rams secured the championship with a 25-19 victory.
The Lady Lions outperformed the Rams in kills (38 to 35) and digs (58 to 54), showing their ability to compete at the highest level. Moore's offensive leadership and Glick's defensive heroics highlighted a game full of effort.
What's Next for the Lady Lions?
With the SAC Tournament now behind them, the Lady Lions will shift their focus to the National Tournament. The selection show on Monday at noon will determine their next opponent and destination as they aim to continue their outstanding season on the national stage.
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.
