SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Moving to 9-0 on the season, No. 10 East Texas Baptist University took their first match in the Trinity University Invite over Whitworth University, 3-1. After dropping the first set 22-25, ETBU rallied to take the following three sets 25-21, 25-19, 25-20. The Tigers recorded eight service aces and 63 digs, dominating the defensive end. The comeback began with a decisive second set, where they outpaced Whitworth with a strong attacking efficiency, posting a .231 hitting percentage.
 
Graycee Mosley led the Tigers with 23 kills on a .415 hitting percentage, adding 14 digs and three aces for a total of 26.5 points for a double-double. Lexi Moody facilitated the offense with 27 assists, contributing one kill and five digs. Callie Humphrey anchored the defense with 23 digs and also added two service aces. Sydney Temple added 19 assists and Lindsey Gooch had nine kills.
 
The first set saw a dramatic exchange of leads with both teams battling fiercely. ETBU jumped to an early lead at 11-6, but Whitworth rallied late, tying the score at 20-20. The Pirates eventually took the set 25-22, for a 1-0 lead.
 
ETBU opened the second set with momentum, quickly establishing a 2-0 lead as Mosley capitalized on two consecutive sets from Moody. The Tigers maintained a steady lead, with standout plays from Gooch, who secured crucial points on several kills and a service ace, contributing to a 20-16 advantage. As the set progressed, Humphrey's service ace extended the lead to 23-17, and despite a late push from Whitworth, Lara Hornsby delivered the decisive kill at 25-21 to secure the set for the Tigers.
 
The third set began with ETBU setting a strong pace, as Mosley recorded three consecutive kills, assisted by Moody, to establish an early lead at 3-0. Despite a brief tie at 8-8, Mosley continued to be the driving force, registering key kills that pushed the team ahead. As the set neared its conclusion, Mosley's offensive strength, combined with strategic setups by Moody and Sydney Temple, allowed the Tigers to pull away, securing a decisive 25-19 victory over Whitworth.
 
ETBU capitalized early in the fourth set with Mosley and Moody combining again for big plays. The Tigers seized momentum with a five-point run, highlighted by a block from Anita Hancock and Gooch, extending their lead to 9-4. Despite Whitworth's efforts to close the gap, ETBU maintained control, with Mosley delivering a final decisive kill, securing a 25-20 victory in the set.
 
The Tigers will return to Callguard Gym tomorrow to face the University of Northwestern (Minn.) at 1:15 p.m. and the host no. 12- Trinity, at 5:00 p.m.