USAO Defeats Langston in Three Sets

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-7, 1-2 SAC) got back on track with a three-set sweep against Langston University (2-10, 1-3 SAC). Despite winning all three sets, the match was very tightly contested and showcased USAO's grit to grind out the win.

Both teams got off to a sloppy start, but USAO was able to edge Langston for a 30-28 victory in the first set. The second set was much like the first, with both teams committing several errors to keep the other teams hopes alive. The Drovers outlasted the Lions to win the second set 25-23. The Drovers claimed the match with a 25-17 triumph in the third set.

As a team, the Drover offense compiled a .128 attack percentage with 46 kills, while the Lions recorded a .080 attack percentage and 25 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 43 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 54 digs and seven total blocks. Langston produced 23 assists, 42 digs, and eight total blocks. Additionally, USAO scored on eight service aces, while Langston tallied six aces.  

The USAO offense was led by a pair of nine-kill performances from Giselle Calderon and Laura Barrios Bardi. Calderon compiled a .294 attack percentage along with six block assists. Barrios Bardi had a .316 attack percentage, three digs, and three block assists. 

Jaliyah Cox added six kills, followed by Morgan Kobe and Jaedyn Adams-Brown with five kills each. Tara Utornik contributed four kills and a pair of aces. 

Josie Joyce concluded with a team-high of 19 assists, along with five digs on defense. Bailey Makahununiu dished out 18 assists and tallied seven digs. 

Brynlee Birney recorded a match-high of 18 digs, in addition to four assists. Yaiza Larrauri finished with eight digs and a pair of assists.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, September 14 as they host Central Christian College. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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