Xavier (LA) Sweeps Paul Quinn in Three Sets in Dallas
Dallas, Texas – October 25, 2024 Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) displayed a dominant all-around performance on Friday evening, sweeping Paul Quinn College (25-22, 25-22, 25-17) at the Tiger Den in Dallas. The victory elevated XULA to a 12-13 overall record and 9-2 in conference play, while Paul Quinn fell to 12-10 overall and 5-6 in conference action.
Xavier's Consistency Seals the Victory
XULA's offense ran smoothly, led by setter Bengisu Kazazlar, who not only distributed 36 assists but also contributed offensively with five kills on six attempts for an impressive .833 hitting percentage. Kazazlar added three aces, helping the Gold Nuggets build momentum in crucial stretches. Her well-rounded play earned her a total of 8.5 points.
Kennedy Campbell showcased her offensive firepower with 13 kills, hitting .722 and committing zero errors in 18 swings. Taylor Parker also excelled, tallying 13 kills and recording a match-high 15 points, contributing three key block assists. Parker's strong presence at the net was pivotal in maintaining Xavier's defensive edge.
The team's balanced attack resulted in a collective hitting percentage of .330. With contributions from players like Kamea Uitenham (five kills, two aces) and Kennedi Bell (five kills, .833 hitting percentage), XULA maintained a steady flow of offense throughout the match.
Paul Quinn's Resilience Falls Short
Paul Quinn College had moments of strength, especially in the first two sets. Carrie Weston led the Tigers with 13 kills, hitting .273, and contributed 13.5 points. Laila Beck added seven kills, hitting a match-high .545 for Paul Quinn and three block assists.
A'Niyah Harrison made significant contributions on both ends, registering seven kills with a .333 hitting percentage and nine digs. Zya Johnson's two aces and Ashley Sanchez's one ace highlighted the Tigers' serving game. However, Paul Quinn's inconsistent attack, which saw them hit just .262 as a team, was not enough to overcome Xavier's offensive efficiency.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
The first set saw both teams exchanging points before XULA's efficient offense helped them edge out a 25-22 win. The Gold Nuggets posted a .341 hitting percentage in the set, capitalizing on critical plays down the stretch.
The second set mirrored the first, with XULA holding off Paul Quinn's push to win another 25-22 set. Although XULA's hitting percentage dipped to .233 in the second set, the team's blocking and serving adjustments helped maintain their edge.
XULA took control in the third set with a .414 hitting percentage, pulling away from the Tigers with key contributions from Campbell and Parker. Paul Quinn struggled to find consistency in their attack, ultimately falling 25-17 in the final set.
Post-Match Thoughts
XULA's strong performance was built on a balanced offense and resilient defense. The team's chemistry and distribution of offensive opportunities allowed them to dominate critical moments in the match. Their 9-2 conference record puts them in a solid position heading into the regular season's final weeks.
The match demonstrated moments of brilliance for Paul Quinn, but unforced errors and struggles in critical rallies were decisive. They will look to address these issues in their next matches as they aim to maintain a winning record.
XULA and Paul Quinn will return to the court with their eyes on solidifying postseason aspirations.