Montgomery, Ala.- In a gripping SSAC Conference Semifinal matchup at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, the Blue Mountain Christian Volley Toppers pushed Loyola University New Orleans to the brink, ultimately falling in a hard-fought five-set contest (25–23, 20–25, 25–20, 12–25, 8–15). 
The opening set showcased BMCU's composure and confidence under pressure, taking the frame 25–23 with clean offensive execution. Loyola answered back in the second, capitalizing on Topper errors and finding rhythm from their front line to even the match at one set apiece.
Set three belonged again to the Toppers as the offense rediscovered its balance. Timely kills from Rachel Stegall, Salice Speed, and Marissa Gerleman pushed BMCU to a 25–20 win and a 2–1 lead in the match.
The Wolf Pack controlled the fourth set behind an efficient .324 hitting mark while stifling BMCU's attack. The decisive fifth set saw Loyola continue their momentum, jumping ahead early and never relinquishing control as they claimed the 15–8 win to close the match.
Top Performers — BMCU
Salice Speed: 11 kills, 4 digs, 1 block assist, 11.5 points
Rachel Stegall: 11 kills, 2 digs, 2 block assists
Marissa Gerleman: 10 kills, .381 hitting, 1 block assist (10.5 points)
Valeria Velez: 5 kills, 6 digs, 3 receptions, 2 aces against her tested often in serve receive
Reanna Brown: 18 assists, 4 service aces, 4 kills (.667), 9 digs
Peyton Kidd: 19 assists, 3 digs
Kora Wilson: Team-high 31 digs, 1 service ace
Overall, the Toppers finished with 48 kills, 68 digs, and 5 service aces, showing resilience throughout the match. Loyola countered with 65 kills and an imposing 14 team blocks, which played a major factor down the stretch. 
Despite the semifinal loss, the Volley Toppers showed the same grit, unity, and competitive spirit that carried them through the season and into the conference tournament's final four. Their defensive intensity—anchored by Wilson's remarkable 31 digs—and balanced offensive effort kept them in contention through all five sets.
With the SSAC Tournament now complete, the Volley Toppers will await the national tournament selection to see if they earn a bid to the NAIA National Championship field.
 
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