LAS CRUCES, N.M. (August 23, 2025) – Less than a week after opening preseason workouts, Lubbock Christian University took the floor for an exhibition at NCAA Division I New Mexico State. The Aggies swept the Lady Chaparrals in straight sets Saturday inside Pan American Center, 25-16, 25-16, 25-14. LCU totaled 30 kills in the match but was hampered by attack errors in its lone exhibition of the 2025 preseason.
 
Head coach Keith Giboney saw the contest as a valuable early measuring stick.
"Today was a good experience," Giboney said. "We're not where we need to be, and a game like this exposes that—but in a positive way. It shows us the things we need to work on. That's a really quality team, and we knew that going in. I'm proud of our effort, and now we'll just build from here."
 
The opening set featured a series of competitive exchanges, with Lubbock Christian starting strong as Jade Workman's efforts helped the team secure the first point of the set. Despite falling behind, the Lady Chaps responded with a service ace from Olivia Elofsson at 4-5 and several key plays from Lily Bickley and Payton Murray, both benefiting from Workman's assists, to keep the score close. However, New Mexico State managed to maintain a lead through effective blocking and service aces, ultimately closing the set with a 25-16 advantage, despite Lubbock Christian's attempts to rally with strategic substitutions and timely kills.
 
The second set began with New Mexico State taking an early lead, sparked by a service ace from Nellie Reese. The Lady Chaps responded with a kill from Bryleigh Schweer, narrowing the score to 3-2. Camdyn Sears facilitated a strong offensive effort for Lubbock Christian, assisting multiple kills including two from Bickley, which helped close the gap to 12-10. Despite a service ace from Elofsson and consistent defensive efforts, New Mexico State maintained their momentum and secured the set 25-16, with Tess Fuqua recording the final point.
 
In the third set, the action began with Sears setting up Bickley for a kill, leveling the score at 1-1. The Lady Chaps briefly captured the lead with a kill by Camryn Blair, assisted by Workman, bringing the score to 2-1. Despite a series of efforts, including a kill by Schweer, New Mexico State managed to build momentum, taking a 10-5 lead. Sears continued to be a key playmaker for Lubbock Christian, assisting Emilee Sikora and Blair for crucial kills, but New Mexico State extended their advantage to 20-11. Murray and Schweer added to the Chaps' tally with late kills, yet New Mexico State secured the set 25-14.
 
Lubbock Christian Top Performers
 
Camdyn Sears
- led with 16 assists
- team-high 13 digs
 
Jade Workman
- 11 assists
- recorded 2 kills (1e, 8att)
 
Lily Bickley
- team-high 8 kills (3e, 20att)
- 1 block
- 2 digs
 
Olivia Elofsson
- 2 service aces
 
Game Notes
- LCU's lone exhibition match of the 2025 season, which begins Sept. 5 in Pittsburg, Kans. against Pitt State
 
- LCU's first match against a NCAA Division I opponent (regular season or exhibition season) since they have moved from NAIA to NCAA (2015)
 
- This recap and statistics do not include an additional fourth set played between the two programs
 
- Thursday, LCU will have their annual Blue/White Game, as the intersquad match inside Rip Griffin will serve as LCU's "Athletic Kickoff" event. Tailgating begins at 4 p.m., with the match scheduled for 5 p.m. The Soda Shack, Johnsonville and Mc Donald's are taking part in the SAAC sponsored event.