HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Mobile traveled to Hattiesburg on Saturday to face the Crusaders at their place to open up conference play. The Rams battled from start to finish, taking the Crusaders to five sets before falling 15-13 in a thrilling decisive fifth set.
The Rams came out strong, taking the opening set 25-20. Carey answered with a second set push. The Crusaders held a 14-11 advantage in the second when Mobile called a timeout, but the Rams responded to close out the set 25-20 and take a 2-0 lead.
William Carey fought back in the third, claiming the set 25-22 to cut the Mobile's lead to 2-1.
The fourth set held another dramatic finish. Mobile held a 23-22 lead late in the set, forcing Carey to use a timeout. The Crusaders rallied out of the break, however, and took the set 25-23 to even the match and force a fifth set.
William Carey ultimately edged Mobile 15-13 in what was a tight fight set to complete the reverse sweep and claim the match.
Mobile had strong offensive contributions throughout the match, recording 60 kills as a team. Kaylin Johnson led the way with 20 kills, Aubrey Sheffield added 14, and Eva Blatchford finished with 10. Mobile hit .199 overall, including a .250 mark in the second set.
Emma McPherson directed the offense with a team high of 28 assists, followed by Hannah Ellis with 19. McPherson also contributed 17 digs.
Defensively, Gabby Sheffield led the Rams with 18 digs, while McPherson added 17 and Hope Blaylock finished with 15. The Rams also held their own at the net defensively, matching Carey with eight blocks. Savannah Conklin contributed five, while Blatchford and Aubrey Sheffield each had three. Blatchford also had two aces, while Georgia Simmons had one.
Up Next For the Rams
The Rams have a string of conference matches ahead, with the next four scheduled at home. The Rams look to get back in the win column at home this Friday against Loyola. The match is set for 6:00 PM CT. Following that the Rams play at home again on Saturday for another conference match against Xavier University at 1 PM CT.
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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.
