August 24, 2024
Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lady Lions Volleyball team kicked off day one of the Texas Two Step Tournament with an exhilarating victory over Montana Tech in the Sheaffer Center. In a match that had fans gripping the edges of their seats, the Lady Lions displayed unyielding determination, eventually securing a 3-2 win in a rollercoaster of emotions.
Set 1
The opening set was a marathon, stretching the limits of both teams' endurance. Despite a rocky start, Montana Tech fought their way back from an early deficit. A timely timeout allowed the Lady Lions to regroup, with Alexandra Bonnett delivering a key kill to close the gap to 4-10.
As the set wore on, the Lady Lions clawed their way back, spurred by Emmy Cooper's service ace and Madison Petten's crucial digs. They managed to tie the game at 27-27, sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, Montana Tech edged out the set 36-34 after a series of intense rallies that left both teams visibly drained.
Set 2
Refusing to be disheartened, the Lady Lions stormed back in the second set. This time, they were the aggressors, jumping out to an early lead. With Bailee Alexander leading the charge, Nelson University showcased a more polished attack, overcoming Montana Tech 25-23. The set saw stellar performances from Taylor Cavazos, who orchestrated the offense with precision, and Lilly Hanna, who added key blocks to stymie Montana Tech's attack.
Set 3
The momentum stayed with the Lady Lions in the third set. Nelson's hitters, led by Caroline Boone and Alexandra Bonnett, were unstoppable. They dominated at the net, boasting an impressive .455 hitting percentage. Nelson cruised to a 25-19 victory, leaving Montana Tech scrambling for answers.
Set 4
Just when it seemed like Nelson University might run away with the match, Montana Tech mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth set. The Lady Lions' offense sputtered, managing only a .125 hitting percentage as Montana Tech seized the opportunity to level the match with a 25-18 win. Despite the loss, Tessa Glick's remarkable 27 digs in the match were a testament to Nelson's relentless defense.
Set 5
In the decisive fifth set, it was anyone's game. The teams traded points in a nail-biting finale, with neither side willing to give an inch. The Lady Lions, however, found an extra gear, pulling ahead 17-15 to clinch the set and the match. Bailee Alexander was the standout performer, leading all players with 22 kills, while Lilly Hanna's strong net presence with 11.5 points and Cassidy Hargensheimer's 33 assists were crucial in securing the victory.
Key Player Stats
Next Up
The Lady Lions will look to carry this momentum into their next match against Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday, August 30, at 6 PM in Waxahachie, TX.
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.
