Xavier jumped in front of SUNO with a 2-0 lead (25-22, 25-22), but the Lady Knights rallied after intermission to grab their first set (25-13). SUNO opened the third set with a commanding 21-7 lead, and went on to tie the match 2-2 with a 25-22 fourth set victory. The resilient Lady Knights, whose team consists of five freshmen, sealed the deal with a 15-11 final set win.
It is the first victory for Naomi Washington as a head coach and the second-ever victory in program history for SUNO. "We just played with consistency," said Washington of her team's win. "The team talked (on the court) the whole time; and when a team continues to communicate, it takes the other team out of their game. It let's (the opponent) know that (the match) isn't over."
SUNO's 15 aces, 40 kills, and 61 digs proved to be key factors in their victory. Freshmen Veronica Azubuike and Wynieka Anderson led SUNO with 11 kills and 4 aces, each. Azubuike's defense was also a difference-maker with her team-leading 14 digs. Xavier was led by Sierra Lyons with 20 kills.
SUNO will travel to Sherman, Texas to compete in the Austin College Invitational on September 10th and 11th. The Lady Knights' home opener will take place on September 14th against the University of Mobile.
