Sunday, September 22, 2013

XU Nuggets rally from 2 sets down for first-ever win at Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. -- Xavier University of Louisiana rallied from a two-set deficit for a 20-25, 19-25, 25-20, 26-24, 15-13 women's volleyball victory against Mobile on Saturday.

It was the Gold Nuggets' first-ever victory at Mobile and their first-ever five-set victory on an opponent's floor. Xavier (10-7) has a season-high four-match win streak.

"The first two sets our energy and communication were lacking. The third set we found a spark about halfway through," XU coach Hannah Lawing said. "It was like the girls decided at that moment that they knew they could win and they were going to.

"(Assistant coach) Kenny (Marroccoli) and I have been telling the girls all season that we need to control the things we can control: communication, celebration, energy, attitude. The last three sets we exceeded those requirements as well as played smart and effectively."

Before Saturday, Xavier was 0-5 in five-set matches on opponents' floors. It's the fourth time in the Gold Nuggets' six seasons that they won after dropping the first two sets.

Xavier also set a school record with its fifth victory this season after losing the first set. Before Saturday, the Gold Nuggets were 2-38 on opponents' courts when dropping the first set.

Xavier snapped the season-high four-match win streak of Mobile (10-8) and ended the Lady Rams' five-match home win streak.

Xavier will travel next weekend for Gulf Coast Athletic Conference matches at Edward Waters and Talladega. The Gold Nuggets' next home matches will be Oct. 5 against Dillard and St. Thomas (Texas).

NOTES: Starting time of the Edward Waters match next Saturday was moved up two hours to 11 a.m. EDT . . . Middle blocker Kerris Crier will be honored in a Senior Night ceremony prior to the Gold Nuggets' 6 p.m. match Oct. 18 against Avila . . . The Nuggets' Dig Pink match for breast cancer awareness will start at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 against SUNO.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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