NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana took sole possession of first place in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference volleyball after beating Edward Waters 25-21, 25-15, 29-27 and Talladega 25-22, 25-11, 25-10.
     The Gold Nuggets (13-4, 5-0) lead the GCAC by a match over Dillard. XULA has won eight of its last nine matches.
     Against Edward Waters, Vivica Price-Spraggins hit .684 with 13 kills, two aces and four blocks. Against Talladega, Kayla Black had 12 kills, 12 digs and two blocks, and freshman Maya Smith had seven kills, a career high, and four blocks.
     XULA played host to four GCAC matches in its Convocation Center Saturday. Dillard defeated Talladega 25-18, 24-26, 17-25, 25-16, 15-10 and Edward Waters 25-21, 25-17, 25-22. Talladega began the day in a first-place tie with XULA.
     XULA will travel to city rival SUNO for two GCAC matches next Saturday — 1 p.m. against Tougaloo and 6 p.m. against SUNO.