The William Carey volleyball team defeated Xavier University of Louisiana 3-1 Friday night at the Ben Waddle Complex in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
The Lady Crusaders opened the match strongly, using a 9-2 run to take an early lead in the first set. They extended their advantage to 18-10 before Xavier rallied. Carey held on, with back-to-back kills from Emily Martin and Rachel Stegall clinching the set.
Xavier responded in the second set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead. Carey fought back to tie at 5-5, but Xavier dominated afterward with a 13-2 run, winning 25-13 and evening the match at one set apiece.
Carey regained control in the third set, jumping to a 9-2 lead. Xavier trimmed the deficit to four at 12-8, but the Lady Crusaders responded with a 9-2 run to close out the set 25-14 and take a 2-1 lead in the match.
The fourth set saw Xavier take an early lead, but Carey fought back from a 17-10 deficit with a 14-2 run. The Lady Crusaders recorded seven kills and two service aces during the rally, with Maurin Reyes securing the match-clinching kill for a 25-20 win and the victory.
William Carey returns to conference play Saturday against Loyola University. The match is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. at the Ben Waddle Complex.
