Drovers Fall to MACU in Conference Opener

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-1, 0-0 SAC) opened conference play with a tough 3-0 loss against Mid-America Christian University (3-4, 0-0 SAC). 

Unfortunately for USAO, MACU brought their A-game to Drover Fieldhouse on Tuesday, and the Evangels never allowed the Drovers to gain momentum as they claimed the win in straight sets. MACU won the first two sets in commanding fashion, by scores of 25-12 and 25-15, respectively. USAO battled hard in the third set but came up just short and suffered a 25-22 defeat in the final set.

As an offensive unit, the Evangels concluded with 38 kills on a .255 attack percentage, while holding the Drovers to only 23 kills and a dismal 0.00 attack percentage. Additionally, MACU produced seven aces, 48 digs, and 10 block assists, while USAO was held to only one ace, 43 digs, and three total blocks. 

Samantha Perez led the USAO offense with eight kills on a .312 attack percentage, followed by Gabrielle Gunnoe with five kills on a .167 clip. Kalaya Pierce concluded the match with a team-high in assists with 12, and Madison Garcia added five more helpers. Soleil Trejo anchored the defense with 12 digs, along with four assists. Victoria Southerland added eight digs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action at home on Thursday, August 31 as they host a non-conference matchup against Bethany College (Kan.). First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse. 

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