NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana saved two second-set points Monday and earned a 25-21, 26-24, 25-20 women's volleyball victory against city rival Dillard at Dillard's Dent Hall.
        It was the 29th consecutive time that the Gold Nuggets beat Dillard; the streak started 14 years ago. The match was XULA's first since a 25-18, 25-18, 25-19 home victory Sept. 10 against Dillard.
        Kennedy Campbell had 15 kills, Kamea Uitenham had 12, and Taylor Parker had five blocks for XULA (11-3), which won its fourth in a row overall.
        Dillard led 24-22 in the second set before XULA used two kills from Campbell, one from Uitenham and a Lady Bleu Devils attack error to extend the lead.
        "Despite the excitable atmosphere," XULA head coach Pat Kendrick said, "we made some key plays late to win the second set."
        The Gold Nuggets never trailed in the third set and clinched on Uitenham's kill.
        Charity Metcalf had 30 assists and six digs for XULA, Kendall Evans hit .500 with six kills and a block, Sydney Murray had five kills and handled all 23 of her serve receptions without an error, Michaela Clayton had 16 digs, and Alaysia Miller had six assists and six digs.
        "Charity did a good job running the offense," Kendrick said. "I thought the combo of Alaysia setting in the back row when Lauryn (Matthews) was blocking for Charity worked well."
        Makaela Swoops had 10 kills and Nya St. Cyr nine for Dillard (6-5), whose seven-match home win streak ended. XULA outhit Dillard .288 to .127.
        Attendance was 317, and XULA fans, mostly students, accounted for nearly half the total. "Thanks to all of Team Gold for showing up," Kendrick said. "Their presence definitely helped."
        XULA will travel to Mobile, Ala., for matches Saturday against Point at 1 p.m. and Mobile at 3 p.m. The Gold Nuggets' next home match will be Oct. 15 against another city rival, Loyola.