December 4, 2024
Sioux City, Iowa – The Nelson University Lady Lions showcased their grit on day one of the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship Tournament, battling Southern Oregon in a thrilling four-set match. Despite their valiant efforts, the Lady Lions fell 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 21-25, 20-25) in a contest brimming with intense rallies and electrifying plays.
The opening set set the tone for the evening as both teams traded momentum. The Lady Lions pushed Southern Oregon to the brink but narrowly fell 22-25. Refusing to back down, Nelson University stormed back in the second set, fueled by precise attacks and strong defensive efforts, securing a 25-21 victory to even the match.
Sets three and four saw a spirited fight from the Lady Lions, with standout performances across the board. Despite their determination, Southern Oregon edged out the Lady Lions with scores of 25-21 and 25-20, ultimately claiming the match.
Key Contributors
- Lilly Hanna dominated at the net with a team-high 12 kills, showcasing her efficiency with a remarkable .524 hitting percentage.
- Bailee Alexander also tallied 12 kills, providing critical offensive firepower.
- Caroline Boone added 11 kills with a solid .250 hitting percentage, while Mackenzie Smith and Samantha Moore chipped in seven kills each.
- Setter Taylor Cavazos orchestrated the offense with 23 assists, complemented by Cassidy Hargesheimer's all-around performance of 19 assists and two kills.
- Defensively, the Lady Lions recorded 52 digs, with a balanced effort from the team keeping rallies alive against a sharp Southern Oregon attack.
Statistically, Nelson University recorded 57 kills compared to Southern Oregon's 53. However, the Lady Lions were hindered by 22 hitting errors and 14 service errors, areas they will look to refine heading into their next matchup.
Next Matchup?
The Lady Lions will look to bounce back tomorrow night at 7:30 PM CT as they take on Viterbo University (Wisconsin) in Sioux City, Iowa, for Day 2 of the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship.
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.
