Drovers Fall Despite Hot Start on the Road at Nelson University

WAXAHACHIE, Texas – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-12, 5-7 SAC) got off to a great start to the match but were unable to keep the momentum going and ultimately suffered a 3-1 loss on the road at Nelson University (17-4, 12-0 SAC). 

The Lions jumped out to an early 12-7 lead in the first set, but the Drovers began to turn things around and used a 13-8 run to tie the score at 20-20 late in the set. USAO closed the set on a 5-3 run to claim a 25-23 win and took a 1-0 advantage in the match. For Nelson, it was their first dropped set in the month of October. The SAC's top team had previously won each of their last five matches in straight sets, prior to a 3-1 road-win at No. 24 ranked McPherson College on September 27.

Nelson responded by taking a 12-6 lead midway through the second set, prior to cruising to a 25-14 win to even the match at one set apiece. 

The teams traded points early in the third set and were locked in a 13-13 tie midway through. However, the Lions caught fire and closed the set on a 12-3 run to earn the 25-16 win and take a 2-1 lead in the match. 

The Lions stayed hot in the fourth set and controlled a 16-9 lead halfway through and went on to wrap up the match with a 25-14 win. 

As a team, the Drover offense concluded with a .054 attack percentage with 37 kills, while the Lions recorded a .266 attack percentage and 57 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 37 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 58 digs and 3.5 total blocks. Nelson produced 53 assists, 75 digs, and 5.0 total blocks. Additionally, USAO recorded one service aces, while NU tallied six.

 Jaliyah Cox led the Drover offense with 16 kills on an impressive .455 attack percentage. Morgan Kobe contributed six kills, followed by Laura Barrios Bardi with five. 

Bailey Makahununiu distributed a team-high of 16 assists, along with four digs. Josie Joyce dished out 15 assists and produced five digs on defense. 

Brynlee Birney was tremendous on defense for USAO, concluding with 18 digs, in addition to five assists and an ace. Yaiza Larrauri was also solid on defense, contributing 13 digs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in action tomorrow (Oct. 12) as they head to Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT.

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