LA GRANDE, Ore. — Third-ranked Eastern Oregon defeated Xavier University of Louisiana 25-16, 25-15, 25-14 Saturday in the first round of NAIA women's volleyball nationals.
        The Gold Nuggets' season — which included a third consecutive Red River Athletic Conference Tournament championship and a 13th consecutive automatic bid to nationals — ended at 19-8.
        Eastern Oregon (31-1) will advance to Sioux City, Iowa, with 23 other first-round winners for pool play Nov. 29-Dec. 1, then the final three rounds Dec. 2-5.
        The Mounties limited the Gold Nuggets to 17 kills and a hitting percentage of minus-.011, both XULA season lows.
        XULA's statistical leaders were Kennedy Wade with five kills, one ace and six digs, Taylor Parker with five kills and five blocks and Ruxandra Flueras with 15 digs. For Eastern Oregon, Sade Williams hit .360 with 12 kills, Mylie Mills produced five blocks, and Hailey Arritola had 14 digs.
        Eastern Oregon hit .204 with 40 kills. The Mounties scored nine of the final 10 points in the second set and 14 of the last 19 points in the third.
        XULA was seeking its second opening-round victory at nationals and its first since 2019.