Numerous Drovers Record Season-Highs in Win Against Central Christian

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-5, 3-3 SAC) won their second consecutive conference contest with a thrilling five-set victory against Central Christian College (4-10, 1-5 SAC).

The Drovers got off to a sloppy start in the match, and unforced errors allowed the Tigers to steal a 25-21 victory in the first set. The Drovers bounced back in the second set and evened the match at 1-1 with a 25-19 win, but Central Christian was once again able to claim a lead in the match with a 25-21 triumph in the third set. USAO seemed determined to turn things around going into the fourth set and caught fire as they cruised to a dominant 25-10 win, forcing a fifth and deciding set. The Drovers stayed hot and jumped out to an early lead in the fifth set and wrapped up the victory with a 15-8 performance. 

As a team, USAO was efficient on offense, putting away a season-high of 58 kills on a .265 attack percentage. They also recorded season-highs on defense with 87 digs and 15 total blocks. In comparison, Central Christian produced 36 kills on a .061 clip, and on defense they tallied 65 digs, eight block assists, and one solo block. 

Four different Drover attackers concluded with 11 of more kills in the five-set thriller. Victoria Southerland led the way with her third double-double of the season with 13 kills and 10 digs. Samantha Perez had a terrific performance, recording 12 kills on a .423 attack percentage, along with one solo block and five block assists. Isaline Jacqucemyn and Gabrielle Gunnoe each contributed 11 kills in the win.

Madison Garcia and Kalaya Pierce were the key distributers for the Drovers, each concluding with 25 assists and eight digs.

Yaiza Larrauri anchored the USAO defense with a season-high of 28 digs, in addition to a team-high of three aces. 

Katelyn Armendariz recorded multiple career-highs with four kills and 14 digs. Andrea Maldonado added eight digs and four assists. Giselle Calderon chipped in five kills, two block assists, and a block assists.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now hit the road and head to Texas for a matchup at Wayland Baptist University. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT in Plainview, Texas.

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