NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana built double-digit leads in all three sets Saturday to defeat Philander Smith 25-18, 25-12, 25-12 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference volleyball at Dillard's Dent Hall.
     The Gold Nuggets (26-5, 13-0) have won 18 of their last 19 matches, including the last seven. They tied the school record for victories in a season.
     Kayla Black led XULA with 13 kills, 10 digs, three aces, two blocks and a .333 hitting percentage. Teammate Ema Causevic also hit .333 with eight kills, 10 digs, two aces and a block. Jaida Dowd had six kills, and Bria Mayes had five.
     Mikaya Gent had nine kills, eight digs, one ace and one block for Philander Smith.
     The 2013 and 2018 XULA teams also won 26 matches.
     Earlier Saturday, XULA defeated Rust 25-7, 25-11, 25-5.
     XULA is 39-0 in GCAC regular-season matches during Pat Kendrick's three years as head coach.
     XULA will close the regular season next week with matches against city rivals: at Loyola at 6 p.m. Tuesday and 3 p.m. Saturday against Dillard at the Convocation Center. XULA-Dillard will follow the men's basketball homecoming game against LeMoyne-Owen, which will tip off at 1 p.m.