MOBILE, Ala. – The Fire's night started strong, but it couldn't keep the momentum. Southeastern University battled back and outlasted University of Mobile in extra points to start Friday night, but the host held its home court with the next three in a 3-1 final at the University of Mobile Tournament.
Trailing by as many as six points twice in the opening set, Southeastern rallied late and held four set points before a Mobile attack error gave the visitors a 29-27 win. The Fire continued to set number two and raced out to early 7-1 and then 12-5 leads before the Rams rebounded in a big way and went on for 25-19, 25-19 and 25-20 set wins in a row.
Mobile captured its first win between the two volleyball foes since August 28 of 2021 in a 3-0 final. SEU grabbed the 2022 meeting via a 3-1 score, while last year's contest was canceled.
SEU fell to 2-2 on the year as it hit a early season low of .166 at a team.
Cambry Pope registered another big night with 21 kills and 14 digs for a double-double to go with three aces and an assist.
Yarelis Lopez, who also dug 13 attacks,
Sylvia Liszewski and
Chapel Cunningham downed six winners apiece.
Alexander Postlethwaite dished out 17 assists and six digs while the other setter
Haven Speer had 15 assists and three digs.
Jenna Rogers paced the team's defense with 19 digs and five assists.
Marysa Connors and
Kennedy Jones added seven and five digs.
Corina Porch-Maxey led the home Rams with 18 kills and three blocks.
The Fire returns for a pair of matches on the second day of the Mobile Tourney. SEU takes on Louisiana Christian at 9 a.m. Eastern before it battles Southern University at New Orleans in the afternoon at 1 p.m. Eastern on Friday.
