Drovers Win in Four Sets on the Road at SCU

BETHANY, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-10, 3-5 SAC) got back in the win column with a thrilling four-set victory at Southwestern Christian University (3-10, 1-7 SAC). After falling in the opening set, the Drovers responded to claim the next three sets for their seventh win of the season. 

 In the first set, the Drovers got off to a slow start and trailed 14-10 midway through. The Eagles remained in control for the rest of the set and claimed a 25-20 win.

SCU built another early lead in the second set and held a 14-10 advantage midway through the frame. However, the Drovers battled back to claim a 25-23 win to pull the match even at 1-1. 

USAO stayed hot and jumped out to a 10-7 lead in the third set, prior to cruising to the 25-16 victory and a 2-1 lead in the match.

The fourth set was tightly contested, and the teams were locked in a 13-13 tie midway through. SCU would then go on a run and held a late 24-20 lead, but USAO used a clutch 6-0 run of their own to claim a 26-24 win to wrap up the match.

As a team, the Drover offense compiled a .081 attack percentage with 40 kills, while the Eagles recorded a .070 attack percentage and 45 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 36 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 93 digs and 10 total blocks. Southwestern Christian produced 41 assists, 105 digs, and four total blocks. Additionally, USAO scored on 12 service aces, while SCU tallied eight aces. 

 Jaliyah Cox led the USAO offense with a 10-kill performance. Alacia Ledoux added six kills and eight digs, while Tara Utornik provided six kills and four digs. Jaedyn Adams-Brown also concluded with six kills in the win.

Victoria Southerland put away five kills, followed by Laura Barrios Bardi and Giselle Calderon with three each.

Josie Joyce recorded her fourth double-double of the season, with a team-high of 20 assists in addition to 12 digs on defense. Bailey Makahununiu dished out 13 assists, along with six digs and a pair of aces. 

Brynlee Birney anchored the Drover defense with a season-high of 34 digs, along with two assists and two aces. Yaiza Larrauri and Mallory Miller each closed with 11 digs and a pair of aces. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will quickly return to action tomorrow (Sept. 28, 2024) as they head to Oklahoma City University. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT inside Abe Lemons Arena. 

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