Drovers Fight Hard but Go Down in Four Against OCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Wednesday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-16, 8-11 SAC) suffered a tough four-set loss against Oklahoma City University (14-11, 14-5 SAC). 

The Drovers currently sit in eighth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with three 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 Wednesday, the Drovers got off to a rough start and dropped the first set 25-9. From that point on, the match was very evenly matched.

The Drovers edged the Stars for a 25-20 victory in the second set, but OCU would bounce back for a tight 25-22 win in the third set. The Stars managed to hold off the Drovers in the fourth set and hung on for the 25-20 victory to take the match.

As a team, the Drover offense compiled a .023 attack percentage with 37 kills, while the Stars recorded a .147 attack percentage and 43 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 36 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 64 digs and 5.0 total blocks. Oklahoma City produced 39 assists, 56 digs, and a staggering 18.0 total blocks. Additionally, USAO scored on five service aces, while OCU tallied a eight aces.  

 Jaliyah Cox led the USAO offense with a match-high of 14 kills, along with five digs and three block assists. Alacia Ledoux tallied nine kills and 15 digs. Morgan Kobe contributed seven kills, two aces, and 2.0 total blocks. Giselle Calderon closed with four kills and two block assists, while Victoria Southerland concluded with three kills and nine digs. 

Bailey Makahununiu recorded her eighth double-double of the season with a match-high of 28 assists, along with 10 digs. 

Yaiza Larrauri led all players with 17 digs, in addition to five assists.

WHAT'S NEXT?

USAO will return to Brisco McPherson Court for Senior Night on Friday, November 1 as they host Southwestern Christian University. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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