MARSHALL, Texas — Finishing out the regular season home match with the way they started in in September, No. 1 / 2 East Texas Baptist University swept UC Santa Cruz 25-18, 25-18, 25-12 on Saturday in Ornelas Gym. ETBU recorded 34 kills, while also amassing 12 total blocks. The defensive effort was highlighted by 55 digs, limiting UC Santa Cruz to a .024 hitting percentage. ETBU is now 27-0 on the year.
 
Callie Humphrey recorded 18 digs as Grayce Mosley added a double-double with 12 kills and added 15 digs. Anita Hancock posted nine total blocks and Lexi Moody contributed 14 assists.
 
ETBU began the first set with a strong performance against UC Santa Cruz, quickly overcoming an early deficit. A pivotal service run by Humphrey helped shift momentum as the Tigers turned a 13-10 disadvantage into a 15-13 lead, capitalizing on a series of attack errors from UCSC. Mosley and Lara Hornsby made crucial contributions with key kills, extending the lead to 20-16. ETBU maintained its advantage, closing out the set at 25-18.
 
The Tigers overcame another early deficit to the Banana Slugs by rallying from 0-4 with a series of strategic plays, including a pivotal kill by Mosley, narrowing the score to 4-4. They then continued to build momentum with significant contributions from McKinzie Riley and Hancock, who combined for effective blocks, eventually leveling the score at 7-7. As the set progressed, the Tigers seized control with back-to-back service aces from McKenzie Mansell, widening their lead to 15-11. The team maintained its advantage through consistent offensive efforts, highlighted by Lindsey Gooch's kill and a series of blocks that stifled UC Santa Cruz's attempts to close the gap. ETBU secured the set with a decisive 25-18 finish.
 
ETBU surged ahead in the third set, capitalizing on errors from UCSC to quickly establish a 5-1 lead. Mosley was pivotal, recording multiple kills with assists from Moody, contributing to a strong offensive performance. Despite brief resistance from UCSC with a few successful kills, the Tigers maintained control with consistent scoring. Gooch and Hornsby added critical points, while Halie McDaniel and Hancock executed key blocks. ETBU concluded the set with a decisive 25-12 victory, ending the match.
 
The Tigers improve to 27-0 and will head to Sherman, Texas, to face the University of the Ozarks and Austin College next weekend.