East Texas Baptist University Claims Victory Over Southwestern in a Highly Anticipated Match

East Texas Baptist University Claims Victory Over Southwestern in a Highly Anticipated Match

Georgetown, Texas — In a thrilling top 20 college volleyball match, the No. 11 East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) defeated the No. 16 Southwestern University Pirates with a score of 3-1 on November 7, 2024. The match showcased ETBU’s impressive skills and solidified their top-ranked position in the league.

Match Overview

ETBU’s victory came in four sets with scores of 25-14, 21-25, 25-16, and 25-16. This win extends their remarkable winning streak to 22 matches and improves their season record to 23 wins and 1 loss. Additionally, the team has successfully faced ranked opponents, now holding a 2-1 record against them this year.

Performance Highlights

ETBU displayed a strong offensive performance, recording 61 kills and achieving a hitting percentage of .271. The team also excelled defensively, compiling 72 digs and blocking a remarkable number of shots, totaling 18 blocks. In contrast, Southwestern University struggled, hitting only .115 and registering single-digit kills in both the first and fourth sets—nine and eight respectively.

Graycee Mosley and Avery Reid were instrumental in the match, combining for 35 kills and 27 digs. Mosley led with 19 kills and 15 digs, while Reid tallied 16 kills and 12 digs, both posting hitting percentages exceeding .300. Emily Millikan contributed significantly with nine kills and five blocks, and McKenzie Mansell provided 29 assists alongside five service aces and seven digs.

Set Analysis

The opening set set the tone for ETBU’s success, marked by an impressive hitting percentage of .414, as they secured a commanding lead early on. They took a 6-3 advantage and pushed it to 12-6 following a string of offensive plays, including four kills and a service ace from Mosley. ETBU closed out the first set decisively with a score of 25-14.

Southwestern University, however, did not back down easily. In the second set, they started strong and managed to take a 17-9 lead, capitalizing on ETBU’s errors. Although ETBU rallied to tie the game at 17, Southwestern’s late surge allowed them to clinch the set 25-21, marking ETBU’s only set loss of the match.

In the third set, ETBU bounced back with intensity, hitting .395 and winning 25-16. With a series of strategic plays from Moody, Reid, and Sitton, they quickly built a lead that they maintained comfortably. ETBU continued their momentum into the fourth set, where they established a commanding 17-6 lead and eventually secured the match with another 25-16 finish.

Looking Ahead

This victory adds to ETBU’s already impressive season and sets high expectations as they continue their campaign. The team demonstrates impressive teamwork and resilience, proving they are formidable opponents in the competitive landscape of college volleyball. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how ETBU will perform in their upcoming matches as they seek to extend their winning streak and enhance their ranking further.

With a thriving blend of skill and determination, ETBU remains a beacon of excellence in collegiate volleyball.