Drovers Fall in Three Sets Against Texas Wesleyan

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-7, 0-2 SAC) was dealt a tough three-set loss against Texas Wesleyan University (5-4, 1-0 SAC). Following a gutsy performance against Nelson University a night prior, the Drovers struggled to gain any momentum against the Rams. 

Texas Wesleyan opened the match with a 25-17 victory, followed by a 25-14 triumph in the second set. The Rams put the match away with a 25-18 performance in the third set.

As a team, the Drover offense compiled a .026 attack percentage with 27 kills, while the Rams recorded a .190 attack percentage and 39 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 24 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 57 digs and eight total blocks. Nelson produced 35 assists, 59 digs, and six total blocks. Additionally, Texas Wesleyan scored on eight service aces, while USAO did not record an ace in the match. 

The Drover offense was led by Giselle Calderon's impressive performance. Calderon concluded with a team-high of nine kills on a .263 attack percentage, in addition to SIX block assists.

Victoria Southerland added six kills, followed by Laura Barrios Bardi with five kills and three block assists.

Bailey Makahununiu and Josie Joyce each dished out 11 assists.

Brynlee Birney finished with a team-high of 20 digs to anchor the Drover defense. Yaiza Larrauri added 10 digs, followed by Mallory Miller with seven.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to the court on Tuesday, September 10 as they host an exhibition match against East Central University (NCAA DII). First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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