MARSHALL, Texas — Opening up pos season play with a sweep, No. 1 East Texas Baptist University took a 25-17, 25-13, 25-12 victory to advance to the American Southwest Championship Game. ETBU is now 30-0 and heads to their fourth straight ASC Championship match under Matthews.
 
The Tigers held Howard Payne University (11-16, 1-6 ASC) to a -0.71 hitting percentage. This is ETBU's fourth straight year winning the first game of the ASC tournament, never losing a game one in the Matthews era. The host team flexed a .245 hitting percentage on Friday night at Ornelas Gymnasium as they continue their best start to a season in program history.
 
The four-time ASC MVP, Graycee Mosley, led the team with 23 kills, hitting .476, and adding 10 digs completing another double-double. Lexi Moody led wiht 15 assists and three blocks while also recording three kills. Anita Hancock had four total blocks and collected four kills on 11 attempts. Callie Humphrey finished with 16 digs.
 
The reigning ASC Champions opened strong against Howard Payne in the first set, overcoming an early 2-0 deficit. After a service ace from Lara Hornsby, the Tigers took control with a 5-2 lead. Mosley secured multiple kills, aided by Sydney Temple's assists as ETBU finished the set with a 25-17 advantage.
 
ETBU overcame an early deficit in the second set to surge ahead with a series of points, as Mosley connected kill after kill. A service error by Howard Payne initiated a shift, allowing ETBU to control the second set. Mosley's consistent kills, assisted by Moody, spearheaded ETBU's advance, turning the set's tide. Sydney Temple's contributions, including a kill and an assist, further extended the home team's lead. ETBU finished the third set ahead 25-13.
 
The Tigers improved their play every set as Mosley initiated a pivotal surge with a kill from Humphrey, leveling the score at 3-3. Humphrey contributed a service ace alongside a kill by Moody to pull ahead. Mosley and Hornsby continued to connect on kills. Humphrey's consistent serving and Mosley's repeated kills were instrumental as ETBU won in the third, 25-12. 
 
ETBU will face Hardin-Simmons University in ASC Championship on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Ornelas Gym.