WAXAHACHIE, Texas – Southwestern Assemblies of God knocked off Xavier (La.) 25-19, 25-20, 18-25, 22-25, 15-12 on Saturday at the Sheaffer Center in the NAIA Volleyball Championship Opening Round.

Southwestern Assemblies of God advanced to the NAIA Championships in Sioux City, Iowa. The seventh-ranked Lady Lions (33-0) face No. 21 Marian (Ind.) at 4 p.m. Dec. 1 in pool play. 

In the fifth set, the Lady Lions overcame a 4-2 deficit and took the lead for good with Lindi Boling's service ace to move ahead 5-4. Alexandra Bonnett smacked a kill to give Southwestern Assemblies of God match point 14-10. Ava Myers sealed the verdict by nailing a kill. 

"Congratulations to the 33-0 SAGU volleyball team," Southwestern Assemblies of God coach Hank Moore said. "With the win today, we move on to Sioux City, Iowa, for the next round of the national tournament. I'm so proud of our kids' fight today. Also, congratulations to a very good Xavier team on a great season."

Emma Tompkins, a senior from Hempstead, Texas, supplied Southwestern Assemblies with 13 kills and eight blocks, while Abby Wells, a sophomore from Keller, Texas, produced 13 kills and four blocks.

Riley Burcham, a junior from Georgetown, Texas, propelled the Lady Lions with 47 assists, 10 digs and three blocks. Tessa Glick tracked down 24 digs, and Maddi Petten added 19 digs.