MARSHALL, Texas — Edging Hardin-Simmons University, 3-2, in five sets, No. 1 /2 East Texas Baptist University captured the 2025 American Southwest Conference regular season championship, 25-17, 21-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-6. ETBU is now 24-0 and 5-0 in the ASC with one more conference match left on Saturday against Howard Payne.
 
Graycee Mosley led the team with 23 kills and added 20 digs as Lara Hornsby added 15 kills. Lexi Moody recorded 20 assists and four service aces, while also collecting 12 digs, and Sydney Temple collected 31 assists. Callie Humphrey posted 19 digs and Lindsey Gooch finished with a .524 hitting percentage, tallying 13 kills.
 
Hardin-Simmons initially took an early 3-0 lead in set one, highlighted by a service ace. The Tigers responded with a steady comeback, featuring a critical equalizer at 7-7 with a kill by Gooch from Sydney Temple.
 
Momentum shifted as ETBU gained control, advancing to a 15-9 lead. ETBU continued to capitalize with key plays from Hornsby, Gooch, and Mosley, extending their advantage. The set concluded with the Tigers securing a 25-17 win, closing with a kill by Hornsby from Temple.
 
ETBU showcased resilience during the second set, highlighted by a pivotal series of plays that drew them level with Hardin-Simmons. Mosley registered a notable kill and service ace, while Gooch and Anita Hancock contributed crucial points. Despite a strong effort from ETBU, Hardin-Simmons ultimately capitalized on their opportunities, pulling ahead late in the set with key plays helpin secure a 25-21 victory.
 
ETBU seized momentum in the third set with a decisive run, highlighted by a series of successful plays from Moody, who contributed two service aces and assisted in multiple kills. The Tigers capitalized on Hardin-Simmons' errors, to extend their lead significantly. Mosley and Gooch also added crucial points, further solidifying ETBU's advantage. The set concluded with a kill by Hornsby, securing a 25-16 victory for the Tigers.
 
In the fourth set, ETBU battled to overcome an early deficit, with Mosley contributing three consecutive kills to momentarily shift the momentum in their favor. Gooch and Temple also played pivotal roles, helping to tie the score at 10-10 with a series of well-timed plays. Despite ETBU's efforts to claw back with a strong performance from Mosley and Gooch, Hardin-Simmons managed to pull ahead, securing the set with a final score of 25-23.
 
ETBU initiated the fifth set with significant momentum, overcoming an early 2-0 deficit with a series of successful plays. Moody contributed early with a decisive kill, and Mosley followed with multiple key points, including a kill and a block that helped the team to a 5-3 advantage.
 
The Tigers then capitalized on errors by Hardin-Simmons, extending their lead to 10-6 with contributions from Hancock and Hornsby. ETBU continued to press their advantage, with Hornsby delivering the final two kills to conclude the set 15-6.
 
ETBU will host Howard Payne University on Saturday, at 1:00 p.m. for Senior Day in Ornelas Gym.