Box Score

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — The roar of the Lady Lions was surely heard Thursday night at Manuel Rivero Hall after Lincoln University won its first match of the season in a match that went five games, two of which needed extra time to decide.

The Lady Lions held off a furious comeback against the Bowie State Lady Bulldogs, ultimately winning in a back-and forth fifth game, 3-2 (25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-27, 19-17). Erin Rucker (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights HS)'s (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) seventh and final kill finally closed the dramatic evening.

Sophomore Nekia Morris (San Bernardino, Calif./San Gorgino) led LU with 12 kills while Noel Webster (Hagerstown, Md./Elkton), Charity Hart (Richmond, Va./Highland Springs) and Rukker each offered seven. Junior Sharay DuBose (Salisbury, Md./Parkside) distributed 15 assists, and Lia Hubbard (Farrell, Pa./Farrell) contributed 10.

The Lady Lions found themselves with their backs against the wall as they were forced into a Game 5 after being up, 2-0 and holding two match points.

LU dominated the first game, showing early signs of enthusiasm and high energy, possibly due to being home for the first time in three weeks, having last played at Manuel Rivero on Sep. 4 against Philadelphia University. They simply dominated on all parts of the court, keeping the ball in bounds and being very aggressive at the net.

The second game was just as dominant as the first game with LU winning 25-22. Great communication and awareness made the lady lions play that much better with incredible hustle plays from Sophomore Nekia Morris (San Bernadino, CA/San Gorgonio).

Bowie State proved determined, though and would actually have several match points of their own in the fifth game when Rucker snuck a ball between the Lady Bulldog defense, clinching the win.

— LU —