ABILENE, Texas — After a first-set battle, No. 2 East Texas Baptist University took care of business sweeping Hardin-Simmons University in three sets 25-22, 25-16, 25-13. The Tigers are two matches into American Southwest Conference play and have swept both opponents. Starting the season 14-0, the Tigers continue have the best start in program history.
This match was an offensive showcase highlighted by a 0.337 hitting percentage while recording 47 kills to Hardin-Simmons' 28. The Tigers' defense also had a strong showing with 40 digs compared to 24 by the hosts, securing a decisive victory.
Graycee Mosley led the Tigers with her 62nd career double-double with 12 kills and 14 digs.
Lara Hornsby added 12 kills for a .333 hitting percentage.
Lexi Moody contributed significantly by recording 15 assists and posting a service ace.
Sydney Temple also played a key role with 17 assists and two service aces. Defensively,
Anita Hancock,
McKinzie Riley, and
Katherine Server totaled four blocks as Hancock added six kills to the team's effort.
Callie Humphrey had 11 digs.
Set one began with Mosley securing a kill from Moody, setting the pace for the visitors. Following a brief early exchange, ETBU took control with a significant run, spurred by a series of Hardin-Simmons attack errors and effective blocking from Hancock and Riley. This sequence propelled the Tigers to an 8-1 advantage.
Hardin-Simmons attempted a comeback with a few service aces and kills, narrowing the gap to 19-17. However, the Tigers responded with key plays from
Lindsey Gooch and Hancock to maintain their edge. Despite a late rally that saw Hardin-Simmons level the score at 20-20, ETBU closed the set strongly. Hornsby delivered crucial kills, and a final attack error by Hardin-Simmons' Ellie Carter sealed a 25-22 victory for ETBU.
The Tigers turned up the intensity in sets two and three. Set two was highlighted by Mosley's kill, which triggered a scoring run. Temple's consecutive service aces further extended the lead, creating a decisive gap. ETBU's offensive charge was bolstered by Gooch and Hornsby, both contributing key kills to maintain the advantage.
ETBU continued to capitalize on Hardin-Simmons' errors, with Server and Riley combining for a crucial block. Hornsby and Gooch remained effective, each adding to the score with pivotal kills. The set concluded with ETBU sealing a commanding 25-16 victory, closing the set with Hornsby's final kill from Temple.
The final set began with a 4-0 run, highlighted by kills from Server, Moody, and Mosley. The Tigers maintained momentum with consistent offensive contributions, including another kill from Mosley and a successful block by Gooch and Hancock, establishing a 9-4 lead. The defense was key holding HSU to a 0.00 hitting percentage.
ETBU didn't step off the break as Moody delivered an ace and assists that set up kills from Riley and Hornsby, pushing the score to 19-9. Despite a brief rally by Hardin-Simmons, the Tigers' defense and offensive execution, culminating in a final kill by Mosley, secured a 25-13 victory to close the set.
The Tigers are heading to Brownwood, Texas, to face Howard Payne tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in their final road ASC match of the season.
