Several Drovers Deliver Career Performances in Five-Set Thriller at OPSU

GOODWELL, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-18, 9-13 SAC) concluded the regular season with a tough five-set loss on the road at Oklahoma Panhandle State University (9-21, 7-15 SAC). 

The Drovers finish the regular season in eighth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, and advance to their fourth consecutive SAC Tournament appearance, beginning November 12. 

On Saturday, the Drovers got off to a good start and held a 14-9 lead midway through the opening set. USAO clung to the lead at the end of the set to claim a 25-21 win.

OPSU held an early edge in the second set, holding a 15-12 lead midway through. The Aggies managed to hold their lead for the remainder of the set, bringing the match even at 1-1 with a 25-21 win.

OPSU kept their momentum going in the third set, jumping out to a 13-6 advantage, prior to cruising to a 25-14 win and a 2-1 lead in the match.

The fourth set was evenly matched early on with both teams trading points. USAO led 14-11 midway through, before forcing a decisive fifth set with a 25-18 win.

OPSU grabbed an early 5-1 lead in the fifth set and went on to win the match with a 15-10 triumph in the final frame. 

As a team, the Drover offense produced a .222 attack percentage with 58 kills, while the Aggies recorded a .223 attack percentage and 58 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 55 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 69 digs and 7.0 total blocks. Panhandle State produced 58 assists, 70 digs, and 6.0 total blocks. Additionally, USAO recorded two service aces, while OPSU tallied 10.

The Drover offense was led by a pair of career performances from Jaliyah Cox and Morgan Kobe. Cox recorded her third double-double of the season with a season-high of 22 kills on a .314 attack percentage, along with 10 digs on defense. Kobe tallied a season-high of 19 kills on an incredible .424 attack percentage. She also recorded a match-high of five block assists. 

Alacia Ledoux concluded with seven kills and 14 digs. Tara Utornik added four kills, followed by Victoria Southerland with three kills and eight digs. 

Bailey Makahununiu tied a program record with 49 assists, along with five digs. The assist record was previously set by Madison Garcia, who dished out 49 assists in a win against SCU in 2021.

Brynlee Birney led all players with 19 digs, in addition to three assists. Yaiza Larrauri closed with nine digs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers now advance to their fourth consecutive SAC Tournament, which will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 12. No. 8 seed USAO will travel to top-seeded Nelson University.

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