MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The University of Mobile Rams looked to continue to build upon their strong 5-1 start to the 2026 season as they traveled to Faulkner University for the Faulkner Invitational this weekend. Facing two opponents on Friday and two on Saturday, the Rams opened up with Reinhardt University before playing Webber International. Mobile wasted no time finding their rhythm, picking up a pair of wins to open up the weekend. Mobile defeated Reinhardt in four sets and cruised through Webber in three straight sets.
Game One Recap | Mobile vs. Reinhardt University (3-1 | 25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 25-16)
The Rams opened up Friday with a hard fought 3-1 victory over Reinhardt. After taking the first set 25-19, the Rams saw the Eagles even things up in the second with a close 24-26 win in the second. Mobile responded in the third taking a 25-22 win, before closing the fourth with a 25-16 win.
Offensively, Mobile was led by pair Eva Blatchford and Kaylin Johnson as each recorded 15 kills. Aubrey Sheffield also reached double figures with 11 kills to help lead the Rams' attack. Freshman, Savannah Conklin continued her strong start to the season with six blocks, while Emma Hampton added three blocks of her own.
Assist duties were once again split between Hannah Ellis and Emma McPherson, who finished with 24 and 23 assists respectively. Defensively, Rylee Warren led the Rams with 12 digs, followed closely by Gabby Sheffield with 11.
Game Two Recap | Mobile vs. Webber International University (3-0 | 25-16, 25-20, 25-13)
In game two of the day, Mobile carried the momentum into a three set victory over Webber International. The Rams controlled the entire match, taking the first set 25-26 before earning a 25-20 win in the second. Mobile saved the best for the last, closing out the Warriors 25-13 in the third to finish Friday 2-0.
Kaylin Johnson led the Rams offensively with 16 kills while Eva Blatchford followed with 14. Blatchford also showed up big behind the service line with five aces. Aubrey Sheffield added eight kills while also contributing four blocks, joining Savannah Conklin with four blocks.
Once again, Ellis and McPherson split setting responsibilities as Hannah Ellis recorded 21 assists and Emma McPherson added 13. Ellis also led the Rams defensively with 17 digs, while Hope Blaylock matched her with 17 digs of her own. With the two victories Mobile closed out Friday undefeated.
After going 2-0 on Friday, the Rams returned to the court Saturday looking to finish the weekend undefeated. Mobile took on Bryan College first followers by Indiana University Southeast in the final matches of the weekend. The Rams took down Bryan in four sets and closed out their time in Montgomery with a sweep over IU Southeast, bringing their weekend record to 4-0.
Game Three Recap | Mobile vs. Bryan College (3-1 | 25-23, 21–25, 25-15, 26-24)
The Rams opened Saturday with a closely contested match as they defeated Bryan in four sets. Mobile narrowly took the opening set 25-23 before the Lions respond with a 21-25 win in the second. The Rams regained control in the third, winning it 25-15 before battling through a tight fourth set. Mobile came out on top 26-24, securing the 3-1 win.
Kaylin Johnson once again led the Rams with 16 kills while Eva Blatchford followed closely with 15. Emma Hampton added nine kills of her own as Mobile continued to find success offensively. Blatchford also contributed two blocks while Savannah Conklin also recorded two blocks and Hampton added one.
Emma McPherson led the Rams with 24 assists while Hannah Ellis added 20. McPherson also led Mobile with 12 digs, while Hope Blaylock recorded a team-high 16 digs and Rylee Warren added 11. The win moved the Rams to 3-0 on the weekend with one match remaining.
Game Four Recap | Mobile vs. Indiana University Southeast (3-0 | 25-19, 25-20, 25-21)
In their final match of the weekend, the Rams swept the Grenadiers finishing the weekend undefeated. Mobile took control early with a 25-19 win in the opening set before following with a 25-20 win in the second set. The Rams finished the match with a 25-21 score in the third.
Johnson led the Rams in kills with 11 while Blatchford added nine. Conklin contributed five kills while also making an impact at the net with a team-high four blocks. Aubrey Sheffield and Peyton Frazer each had three blocks as the Rams had a strong defensive presence.
Blaylock led the Rams with 17 digs while Ellis added 11 and Gabby Sheffield recorded nine. Ellis and McPherson recorded 14 and 12 assists respectively. With the win, Mobile finished the weekend 4-0, improving to 9-1 on the season.
Up Next for the Rams
The Rams are on the road again next weekend in the Big Easy at Xavier University with another four matches. Mobile will face Louisiana State Shreveport at 11:30 AM CT Friday followed by Xavier at 7 PM CT. Then on Saturday the Rams will face Dillard University at 11:30 AM CT followed by Louisiana Christian at 4:30 PM CT.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence "For the Kingdom. To the World." With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God's calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.
The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
