SIOUX CITY, Iowa [BOX SCORE] In a highly competitive first round of pool play at the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship, the McPherson (Kan.) Bulldogs faced off against the St. Thomas (Fla.) Bobcats in a thrilling five-set match. STU emerged victorious, winning the match 3-2 (25-19, 25-22, 22-25, 21-25, 15-12).

The Bobcats entered the match with a perfect 32-0 record, and showed their dominance early on by taking the first two sets. However, McPherson fought back hard, winning the next two sets to force a decisive fifth set. 

Both teams put up strong offensive performances, with St. Thomas recording 63 kills to McPherson's 61. Maria Eduarda Ramos led St. Thomas with 17 kills, while Hadley Waldren led the Bulldogs with 10 kills.

Defensively, the Bobcats had the edge with 24 total blocks compared to the Bullogs 20. Sana Dennis and Tayla Barnes were instrumental in St. Thomas' blocking efforts as they contributed five and eight blocks (seven assisted) respectively.

This is the Bobcat's fourth pool play win in program history.

Pool G returns to action December 5th, at 7:30 p.m. CT with McPherson taking on Oklahoma Wesleyan. St. Thomas returns to play December 6, at 7:30 p.m. CT against Oklahoma Weslwyan.