FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University (25-7, 20-2) fell to Nelson University (25-9, 20-2) in a tightly contested five-set match at the Sid Richardson Center, with scores of 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, 21-25, 16-18. Texas Wesleyan recorded 68 kills in the effort, with a notable .310 hitting percentage in the third set.

The first set between Texas Wesleyan and Nelson began with the Rams taking an early advantage, thanks to a kill by Sydney Alexander assisted by Ruby Rumohr. The teams alternated points frequently, with Texas Wesleyan leveraging Nelson's errors to maintain a slim lead. Alexander delivered another crucial kill to keep the scores level, and Emily Lewis added a service ace to briefly put the Rams ahead. Despite a strong performance from the Rams, including key kills from Hanna Rubis and Migdaly Bernal, Nelson capitalized on service errors and attack errors to edge forward. The visiting team's service aces, particularly from Taylor Cavazos, contributed to their momentum. Texas Wesleyan called a timeout but was unable to shift the tide significantly as Nelson closed the set at 25-20.

In the second set, Texas Wesleyan capitalized on a strong start, with Victoria Smith contributing three early kills assisted by Rumohr to take an early lead. Despite a brief rally from Nelson, the Rams extended their advantage to 5-1, prompting Nelson to call a timeout. The visiting team continued to maintain control with kills from Lyric Biggiers and Lauran Richards, keeping the momentum in their favor. Nelson mounted a comeback attempt, leveling the score at 15-15 and briefly taking the lead. However, Texas Wesleyan responded quickly with key plays from Bernal and Taylor Glendening to regain the lead at 22-21. A service ace from Biggiers furthered the lead, and Glendening's kill secured the set, concluding with a 25-21 victory for the Rams.

Texas Wesleyan maintained a strong presence in the third set, starting with Bernal's kill from Rumohr that initiated an early lead. Alexander contributed significantly with a service ace and effective attacks, helping the Rams establish momentum. Rubis and Bernal were pivotal in extending the lead, capitalizing on Nelson's errors while Baylor Rodgers facilitated key plays with assists. Despite Nelson's attempts to close the gap, Texas Wesleyan sustained control, ultimately clinching the set 25-21.

In the fourth set, Texas Wesleyan started strong with Alexander scoring the opening point from a kill, assisted by Rumohr. The Rams quickly extended their advantage to 2-0 with a block by Alexander and Smith, capitalizing on an attack error by Nelson's Alexandra Bonnett. After an exchange of points, Texas Wesleyan maintained a 3-1 lead following a kill by Smith. Rubis significantly impacted the middle of the set with a sequence of service aces, pushing the Rams to a 10-5 lead. This run was punctuated by an attack error from Nelson's Addison Standley. Despite a brief resurgence from Nelson, Texas Wesleyan continued to exert pressure, with Rubis and Bernal contributing crucial kills to sustain a 19-15 advantage. However, Nelson mounted a late rally, overcoming the deficit to tie the score at 20-20. Despite efforts from Bernal to regain the lead for the Rams, Nelson closed the set with a decisive run, ultimately taking it 25-21.

The Rams entered the fifth set aiming to shift momentum after falling behind 4-0 due to Nelson's early offensive stride. A timeout helped Texas Wesleyan regroup, with Biggiers and Smith contributing kills that narrowed the gap to 5-4. Nelson responded, but a defensive effort by Rubis and Biggiers produced a block that tied the score at 8-8. As the set progressed, Texas Wesleyan continued to press with key plays from Bernal and Alexander, who delivered a pivotal service ace to level the score at 12-12. Smith and Alexander's blocks and kills helped the Rams edge ahead 15-14, prompting a timeout from Nelson. In the closing exchanges, Nelson managed to reclaim the lead with a service ace and a kill, eventually securing an 18-16 victory in the decisive set. Despite the competitive effort, Texas Wesleyan fell short in the final moments.

Rubis led the Rams with 19 points, recording five service aces and contributing four blocks. Rumohr facilitated the offense with 33 assists, maintaining a perfect setting record. Alexander added 13 kills and one solo block, totaling 17.5 points. Lewis showcased her defensive capabilities by collecting 23 digs, leading the team in that category.

The Rams return to action in the NAIA National Tournament with the opening round taking place on November 22. The selection show will begin on Monday, November 17 at 4pm.