MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile defeated the Savannah College of Art and Design 25-19, 25-19, 18-25 and 25-15 in the opening round of the NAIA National Championship Saturday (Nov. 21) evening at Pharr Gym.
The Rams, who defeated the Bees for the first time in three meetings in 2009, improved to 25-11 and advanced to the final rounds of the national tournament Dec. 1-5 in Sioux City, Iowa. SCAD ended the season at 28-8. The 28 wins tied the university record for wins in a season.
Courtney Shelton had a team-high 10 kills and four total blocks for SCAD.
Jen Drouin finished with 11 digs while
Arynn Nease added 10.
Allison Regas led SCAD with 26 assists, seven digs and six total blocks.
Cathryn Gregson collected seven total blocks for the Bees.
SCAD was up 4-3 early in the opening set, but the Rams rallied with an 11-2 run to take a 14-6 lead. SCAD pulled within 17-15, but Mobile took the next three points and held on to win.
The second set saw Mobile answer a 7-5 deficit with an 8-2 run to take a 13-9 lead. SCAD fought back to tie it up at 19, but the Rams took the final six points for the win.
The third set was back-and-forth throughout until the Bees took seven of the final nine points for the 25-18 win. Mobile took control of the final set early, but answering a 4-3 deficit with a 7-1 run for a 10-5 lead. Then, up 12-9, the Rams went on a 6-0 spurt to take control.