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Houston Christian University Athletics

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Audrey Pierce
Tarleton State Athletics
3
Winner Houston Christian HCU 4-8,1-0 Southland
1
Nicholls NichSt 5-7,0-1 Southland
Winner
Houston Christian HCU
4-8,1-0 Southland
3
Final
1
Nicholls NichSt
5-7,0-1 Southland
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Houston Christian HCU 20 25 25 25 (3)
Nicholls NichSt 25 13 14 17 (1)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball |

VB: The Huskies Start with a Strong Win at SLC Opener

HCU Claims Victory in a Four-Set Battle Against Nicholls


 
THIBODAUX, Louisiana – The HCU volleyball team won the first match of the Southland Conference, defeating Nicholls with set scores of 20-25, 25-13, 25-14, 25-17.

In the first set, Nicholls pulled ahead after a back-and-forth start. HCU initially gained a slight lead with kills from Garza and Pearce, but Nicholls quickly equalized and began to find their momentum. Strong attacking plays by Billingsley and Castro, combined with service aces and defensive errors by HCU, allowed Nicholls to stretch their advantage. Despite a late push by HCU, which included service aces from Byerly and kills by Pearce, Nicholls maintained composure. A final kill by Lunt sealed the set for Nicholls, 25-20.

In the second set, HCU and Nicholls showcased a thrilling exchange of plays, with HCU starting strong, led by Bianca Byerly's impressive service aces and kills from Emerald Jacobs. Nicholls fought back, with Makila Billingsley and Leah Linares contributing key kills to keep the score close. HCU's Ana Garza and Grace McLaughlin worked effectively to capitalize on Nicholls' errors while also demonstrating strong teamwork in executing kills. As the set progressed, both teams struggled with service errors, but HCU managed to maintain a slight lead thanks to Jacobs and Pearce's consistent scoring. Ultimately, Nicholls rallied late in the set, but HCU held firm, leading to a hard-fought win in the second set and setting the stage for a decisive third set.

In the third set, HCU and Nicholls engaged in a competitive battle, with both teams exchanging points early on. HCU's Audrey Pearce made a significant impact with multiple kills, supported by Grace McLaughlin's effective assists, while Nicholls responded with strong plays from Leah Linares and Makila Billingsley. HCU gained a slight edge with a service ace from Tatiana Evans and solid blocks from Pearce and Ana Garza, but Nicholls fought back to stay within reach. The set concluded with HCU maintaining their momentum, capitalizing on Nicholls' errors and securing key kills from Pearce and Katy Barger, ultimately winning the set.

In the fourth set, the competition remained fierce as both HCU and Nicholls battled for control. The set opened with early errors from both sides, leading to a back-and-forth exchange of points. HCU's Pearce and Jacobs contributed key kills, but Nicholls' Castro and Billingsley responded effectively. As the set progressed, Nicholls gained a slight lead with strong plays from Phares and Terrell, while HCU's McLaughlin and Archie fought to close the gap. However, the set was marked by a series of attack errors from both teams, creating moments of uncertainty. Despite HCU's efforts, Nicholls maintained their composure, with crucial kills from Castro sealing the set at 25-17, ultimately securing their victory in the match.

Audrey Pearce led the Huskies in kills with 12, closely followed by Emerald Jacobs and Katy Barger, each with 10. Bianca Byerly dominated at the service line with 5 aces, while Grace McLaughlin added 2 more. Pearce also led in blocks with 6, supported by Ana Garza's 5 and Allana Archie's 4. McLaughlin was the key playmaker with an impressive 38 assists, and Tatiana Evans contributed 19 digs, with Jacobs adding 16 and Alexia Jones securing 14. HCU's all-around performance highlighted the team's depth and balance across the board.

HCU will return home for their next match, hosting Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at Sharp Gym on Saturday, September 28, at 1 p.m.
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