MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Christian Brothers University put together one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 3-0 Gulf South Conference victory over Auburn Montgomery inside Canale Arena.
The Buccaneers controlled the match from start to finish, winning by scores of 25-20, 25-16 and 25-14. The victory improved CBU to 5-14 overall and 1-7 in Gulf South Conference play.
CBU's offense was efficient throughout the afternoon, finishing with 41 kills and a .267 hitting percentage while holding AUM to just 19 kills and a negative hitting percentage. The Buccaneers also created problems from the service line, recording 10 aces, while adding 51 digs and six total blocks.
Ana Clara Sacca Beltran led the offensive attack with an impressive performance, finishing with a match-high 13 kills on 20 attempts while hitting .500. She also contributed five digs and three total blocks, finishing with a team-high 15.5 points.
Sarah Helms was equally efficient at the net, recording nine kills with just one error on 14 attacks for a .571 hitting percentage. Helms also added two solo blocks. Alma Solis chipped in six kills while hitting .308.
The opening set was the closest of the afternoon. After AUM took an 11-9 advantage, the Buccaneers responded and regained control. CBU eventually pulled ahead 17-13 before closing out the frame, 25-20.
CBU began to separate itself in the second. With the score tied at 11, Victoria Devenport provided a major spark from the service line, delivering three aces during a run that helped push the Bucs ahead 15-11. CBU continued building the advantage and finished the set with a 25-16 victory.
There would be no slowing down in the third.
The Buccaneers jumped ahead early and eventually turned a 12-12 set into a commanding finish. With CBU leading 18-14, the Bucs scored the final seven points of the match, with Sophia Nowacki serving throughout the closing run. Helms delivered the final kill to complete the sweep, 25-14.
CBU's setters helped keep the offense balanced throughout the afternoon. Emma Pomaret recorded a team-high 17 assists, along with seven digs and three service aces, while Nowacki added five assists, 10 digs and an ace.
The Buccaneers finished the afternoon with 75 total points compared to AUM's 50, closing out a convincing straight-set conference victory at home.
