Numerous Drovers Deliver Career Performances in Victory Against OPSU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (8-11, 4-6 SAC) earned a hard fought five-set victory against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (5-13, 3-7 SAC). With the victory, the Drovers improve to 2-12 against the Aggies all-time, with both of USAO's wins coming in their last three matches head-to-head. 

The Drovers got off to a good start in the match, winning the first two sets (25-20, 25-23). However, the Aggies would not go away without a fight, claiming the next two sets to force a fifth and final set. OPSU won the third set 25-15, followed by a 25-23 win in the fourth set. 

USAO took an early lead to gain an advantage in the fifth set, prior to clinging to a 16-14 triumph.

As a team, the Drover offense produced a .151 attack percentage with 64 kills, while the Aggies recorded a .238 attack percentage and 60 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 57 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 99 digs and six total blocks. Panhandle State produced 59 assists, 103 digs, and 10 total blocks. Additionally, USAO recorded seven service aces, while OPSU tallied five. 

Numerous Drovers delivered career performances in the team's first five-set match of the season. Jaliyah Cox recorded a season-high of 17 kills on a .192 attack percentage. Morgan Kobe also tallied a season-high with 13 kills on a .250 attack percentage. Kobe also was a defensive force at the net, concluding with three block assists and a solo block. 

Alacia Ledoux added 11 kills and six digs, followed by Laura Barrios Bardi and Giselle Calderon with 10 kills each. 

Bailey Makahununiu recorded a team-high of 28 assists, along with six digs. Josie Joyce dished out 22 assists and added eight digs on defense.

Brynlee Birney delivered a historic performance on defense, setting a new program record with 38 digs, in addition to five assists and three aces. The previous program record for digs in a single match was held by Chayanne Rivas, who tallied 36 digs against Bacone College in 2017. Birney is among the best defensive players in the Sooner Athletic Conference this season, ranking second in digs per set (5.11), and third in total digs (322). 

Mallory Miller registered a season-high of 16 digs, as well as a pair of aces. Yaiza Larrauri produced 13 digs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Saturday, October 5 as they host Wayland Baptist University. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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