Drovers Fall in Five Sets Against Golden Eagles

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-8, 4-6 SAC) showed tremendous fight, but ultimately suffered a five-set loss against John Brown University (14-7, 7-3 SAC). The Drovers gave the Golden Eagles all they could handle, and it was by-far the closest match that the conference foes have ever played. Prior to Thursday's thriller, USAO had only won one set against the Golden Eagles, dating back to the 2017 season. 

The Drovers were a bounce or two away from defeating JBU in only three-sets, but the Golden Eagles stole the opening set by a score of 26-24. USAO went on to win the next two sets, by scores of 25-23 and 25-14, respectively. 

After allowing the Drovers to take a lead midway through the fourth set, the Golden Eagles caught fire and forced a fifth set with a 25-22 victory. JBU continued their momentum and cruised to a 15-8 win in the fifth and final set.

At the conclusion of the match both teams had very similar statistics. JBU concluded with 67 total points scored, while USAO finished with 66. The Drover offense closed with 51 kills on a .123 attack percentage, while the Golden Eagles produced 51 kills on a .147 attack percentage. The Drover defense contributed 75 digs and 7.0 total blocks, while the Golden Eagles had 78 digs and 9.0 blocks. 

 Victoria Southerland produced her fifth double-double of the season with 11 kills and 14 digs. Southerland also contributed four aces and two block assists. Samantha Perez also had a great night, concluding with 12 kills and 4.0 total blocks. 

Bruna Duarte contributed 11 kills, along with a pair of block assists, followed by Isaline Jacqucemyn with nine kills and a block assist. Gabrielle Gunnoe and Giselle Calderon each added four kills. 

Kalaya Pierce recorded her second double-double of the season with 20 assists and 11 digs, while Madison Garcia closed with 20 assists and seven digs. 

Yaiza Larrauri anchored USAO's defense with 23 digs, as well as three assists. Andrea Maldonado added a dozen digs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Tuesday, October 3 as they make the short trip to OKC to face Mid-America Christian University. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM inside the Gaulke Activity Center.

Stay up to date on all Drover Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers