College of the Ozarks Takes Down USAO in Four Sets

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-15, 8-10 SAC) suffered a four-set loss against College of the Ozarks (13-11, 9-9 SAC). 

The Drovers currently sit in eighth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with four 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 Saturday, the Drovers were dealt a 25-18 loss in the opening set, but they bounced back to even the match at one set apiece with an exciting 27-25 win in the second set.

The Drovers kept the score close in the third set, but ultimately suffered a 25-19 loss. USAO held the lead for most of the fourth set, but College of the Ozarks roared back and closed the set on an 11-0 run to win the final set 25-18.

As a team, the Drover offense compiled a .174 attack percentage with 46 kills, while the Bobcats recorded a .227 attack percentage and 62 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 44 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 68 digs and 5.0 total blocks. College of the Ozarks produced 60 assists, 77 digs, and 9.0 total blocks. Additionally, USAO scored on only three service aces, while C of O tallied a staggering total of 15 aces.  

Jaliyah Cox once again led the USAO offense with 14 kills on an impressive .308 attack percentage. Cox also recorded her first double-double of the season as she added 13 digs on defense.

Morgan Kobe also provided a strong performance, tallying 10 kills on a .278 attack percentage, along with three block assists and two solo blocks.

Victoria Southerland contributed eight kills and seven digs, while Alacia Ledoux produced six kills, 13 digs, and two block assists. 

Bailey Makahununiu recorded her seventh double-double of the season as she dished out a match-high of 34 assists in addition to 10 digs. 

Yaiza Larrauri anchored USAO's defense with 22 digs and five assists.  

WHAT'S NEXT?

USAO will return to Brisco McPherson Court on Wednesday, October 30 as they host Oklahoma City University. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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