New Orleans — Blue Mountain Christian University’s volleyball team wrapped up its road trip Saturday afternoon with a three-set loss to Xavier University at the Convocation Center. The Gold Nuggets secured the victory with scores of 25-18, 25-17, 25-22.
Xavier opened the match by taking the first set 25-18. Blue Mountain responded in the second, recording eight kills but fell behind as the Gold Nuggets took the set 25-17 and moved ahead 2-0. In the third, the Toppers mounted their strongest effort, tallying a match-high 10 kills and staying within striking distance. However, Xavier held on to win the final set 25-22 and complete the sweep.
Marissa Gerleman led Blue Mountain’s attack with eight kills. Salice Speed added six kills and two service aces. Mattie Hopper contributed three blocks, while Gerleman added two. Sydney Tague led the team with 12 assists, and Brenyn Wilbanks finished with eight. Defensively, Abbi Williams had 14 digs, and Speed added five. The Toppers finished the match with 27 kills, eight aces, four blocks, and 32 digs.
Blue Mountain is scheduled to return home Friday to continue SSAC play against William Carey.
