Drovers Fall in Four Sets Against JBU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-14, 8-9 SAC) had their win streak snapped with a four-set loss against John Brown University (11-14, 10-7 SAC). 

The Drovers have won five of their last eight matches overall and sit in a tie for seventh place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with five matches remaining in the regular season. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams in the conference will advance to the SAC Tournament. Furthermore, the Drovers are just two wins shy of tying the program record for most wins in a season (14 wins in 2021).

On Friday, the Drovers struggled mightily in the first set and were dealt a 25-8 loss. However, the Drovers bounced right back and claimed a 25-23 win in the second set to pull the match even at one set apiece. 

JBU would catch fire once again in the third set and earned a 25-12 win, prior to closing out the match with a 25-17 win in the fourth set.

As a team, the Drover offense compiled a .023 attack percentage with 35 kills, while the Golden Eagles recorded a .243 attack percentage and 49 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 32 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 58 digs and 5.0 total blocks. JBU produced 44 assists, 61 digs, and 11.0 total blocks. Additionally, USAO scored on zero service aces, while JBU tallied seven aces. 

Alacia Ledoux led the Drover offense with 10 kills, in addition to 11 digs on defense. The double-double is the first of the season for Ledoux. Jaliyah Cox added eight kills, followed by Victoria Southerland and Giselle Calderon with seven kills each.

Bailey Makahununiu recorded her sixth double-double of the season as she dished out a match-high of 27 assists, as well as a match-high of 16 digs. 

Morgan Kobe and Yaiza Larrauri each contributed nine digs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

USAO will return to Brisco McPherson tomorrow (Oct. 26) at 1:00 PM CT against College of the Ozarks. 

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