FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University (24-6, 20-2) defeated College of the Ozarks (17-12, 12-10) in straight sets, 25-17, 25-14, 25-15, in the SAC Tournament Opening Round at the Sid Richardson Center on Tuesday evening.

Texas Wesleyan began the first set by establishing early control with a series of effective plays, including a kill from Lyric Biggiers assisted by Ruby Rumohr. The home team capitalized on errors from the Bobcats, quickly advancing to a 4-0 lead. Sydney Alexander contributed with a decisive kill, extending the advantage to 5-1. Despite a few service errors, the Rams maintained momentum with strong offensive contributions, including kills from Lauran Richards and Victoria Smith. The team pushed ahead 16-8, benefiting from multiple attack errors from the visitors. A service ace by Alexander further solidified their lead.As the set progressed, Texas Wesleyan continued to apply pressure, culminating in a 25-17 closure with a final kill from Biggiers, again assisted by Rumohr. The home team ended the first set in a commanding position, setting the pace for the match.

Texas Wesleyan took charge early in the second set with a kill from Richards, setting the tone for competitive exchanges between the teams. As the set wore on, Biggiers contributed significantly with multiple kills, assisted by Rumohr and Emily Lewis, to keep the score tight. Midway through the set, the Rams found momentum with a series of plays highlighted by a block from Loes Peijnenburg and Taylor Glendening, pushing ahead to a 13-11 lead. Alexander and Smith each added crucial kills, extending the advantage as the home team capitalized on errors from the Bobcats. The closing stages saw Texas Wesleyan sustain their lead with consistent pressure, including decisive kills from Smith and Hanna Rubis. The set concluded with the Rams securing a 25-14 victory, broadening their match lead.

Texas Wesleyan started the third set by overcoming an early deficit with a block by Alexander on Kalli Noell, leveling the score at 1-1. The home team then found momentum with Rubis serving two consecutive points, including an ace, and Alexander contributing a kill, pushing the score to 7-4 in favor of the Rams. Richards and Smith consistently added to the scoreboard with multiple kills, building a 15-8 lead. Alexander's blocking was pivotal, including a block alongside Smith, extending the advantage further. The Rams closed the set with a strong finish, highlighted by a kill from Smith to secure the final point at 25-15. This decisive performance extended their lead, emphasizing their control throughout the set.

Biggiers led the offensive charge for the Rams with 16 kills and posted a .464 attack percentage. Richards contributed significantly with 12 kills while maintaining an impressive .706 hitting percentage. Rumohr facilitated the offense by recording 26 assists and added 10 digs to her performance. Alexander excelled in defense with three solo blocks and four block assists, contributing to a total of seven blocks.

The Rams return to action on Friday in the SAC Tournamnet Semifinal match at the Sid Richardson Center.