MARSHALL, Texas — The highest ranked matchup in Ornelas Gym this season did not disappoint as No. 1/2 East Texas Baptist Volleyball swept No. 25 University of St. Thomas Houston on Thursday night, 25-18, 25-12, 25-15. The Tigers had a notable .448 hitting percentage in the third set as they moved to 23-0.
 
Graycee Mosley led the offensive charge once again with 22 kills, hitting .405 on 42 swings while adding nine digs, two blocks, and an ace for 24.5 points. Mosley's heavy arm was the difference-maker as ETBU hit .313 as a team. Anita Hancock followed with a strong night at the net, finishing with seven kills, three blocks, and a .636 attack percentage. Lexi Moody ran the offense recording 18 assists, eight digs, and a .333 hitting clip, while Sydney Temple chipped in 11 assists, six digs, and two service aces in a balanced setting effort. Defensively, Taylor Poore anchored the back row with eight digs, while Callie Humphrey added seven digs, four assists, and two service aces.
 
ETBU tallied eight aces from the service line, led by Temple and Humphrey with two each, and out-blocked St. Thomas 7–4 behind Hancock and Lindsey Gooch, each recording two total blocks. Lara Hornsby added another all-around performance with eight kills, six digs, and two aces.
 
ETBU began the first set assertively, with Moody securing the initial point with a kill set up by Poore. Hancock contributed significantly, delivering multiple kills that helped extend the lead to 5-3. Mosley and Hornsby added to the momentum, each with key kills that maintained ETBU's advantage.
 
Midway through the set, the Celts managed to level the score at 8-8, but the Tigers quickly regained control. Mosley was pivotal, executing several crucial plays, including a block that pushed the score to 15-11. The set culminated with Mosley securing the final point on a kill, ending the set with ETBU leading 25-18.
 
The Tigers gained significant momentum in the second set with a run, highlighted by Mosley's consistent offensive contributions. Mosley delivered multiple kills, including one that capitalized on a block error. Additionally, Temple's serving prowess facilitated a series of points, including a service ace, which extended ETBU's lead. Despite some resistance from St. Thomas, ETBU maintained their advantage. The set concluded with ETBU securing the set 25-12, showcasing a strong finish with Hancock's block sealing the final point.
 
The Tigers secured a decisive third-set victory over the Celts, finishing with a 25-15 score. The home team initiated a substantial momentum shift early, with McKinzie Riley and Mosley delivering kills, assisted by Moody, to establish a commanding lead, 5-0. Despite a brief rally by St. Thomas, ETBU regained control through another series of successful plays, featuring significant contributions from Hancock and Mosley. The set concluded with Hornsby delivering the final kill, ensuring ETBU's win, 25-15.
 
ETBU will return tomorrow to face Hardin-Simmons at 6:00 p.m. in Ornelas Gym and then on Saturday they will close out regular-season ASC play against Howard Payne at 1:00 p.m.