MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Christian Brothers University women's volleyball team made its final home match of the season one to remember Saturday afternoon, celebrating Senior Day with a 3-1 victory over Gulf South Conference rival Union University inside Canale Arena.
The Lady Bucs (11-20, 6-12 GSC) defeated the Bulldogs (5-24, 1-17 GSC) by set scores of 25-23, 25-18, 26-28 and 25-20, giving the senior class a memorable sendoff in front of their home crowd.
Saturday's celebration was about more than the final score. It was an opportunity to recognize the dedication, leadership and commitment of the Buccaneers' seniors, who have helped shape the program through their work on and off the court.
Throughout their time at Christian Brothers, the seniors have experienced the challenges and rewards of collegiate athletics, building relationships, representing the university and helping establish a foundation for the players who will follow them.
Ana Clara Sacca Beltran led the offensive attack with 11 kills and three block assists, while Addison Waggoner, Sarah Helms and Alexis Goodman each contributed eight kills.
Sophia Nowacki anchored the defense with a match-high 25 digs and three service aces, while Carleiny Morillo recorded 24 assists and nine digs. Alexis Bellarmino added 17 assists and seven digs, helping keep the offense moving throughout the afternoon.
Alma Solis contributed six kills and five total blocks, including three solo blocks, as CBU finished with 54 kills, 76 digs, nine service aces and 8.5 team blocks.
The opening set featured an early challenge for the Lady Bucs, who found themselves trailing before battling back to take control. With the score tight down the stretch, senior Mattie Sewell delivered the final kill to secure a 25-23 opening-set victory.
CBU carried that momentum into the second set, using balanced offensive production and timely defensive plays to claim a 25-18 win.
Union refused to go away, taking a closely contested third set 28-26 to force a fourth.
Determined to send their seniors out with a victory, the Lady Bucs responded by building a commanding lead in the fourth set. Although Union mounted a late comeback, CBU remained composed and finished the match with a 25-20 victory.
In a fitting conclusion to the afternoon, Sewell delivered the match-winning kill, giving the Buccaneers one final moment to celebrate together on their home floor.
For Sewell and her fellow seniors, the victory represented a meaningful ending to their final home appearance. While individual performances helped secure the win, the afternoon belonged to the entire senior class and the contributions each has made to the program.
Under Head Coach Lashaunda Spurgeon, the Lady Bucs celebrated not only a conference victory but also the players whose leadership, perseverance and commitment have helped guide the team.
As the program looks toward the future, the impact of this senior class will extend beyond the court, leaving behind memories, friendships and an example for the next generation of Buccaneers.
The afternoon began by honoring the seniors and ended with the entire team celebrating them — a fitting farewell inside Canale Arena.
