Paul Quinn College Volleyball Suffers a 3-1 Loss to USAO
Dallas, Texas — In a closely contested match, the Paul Quinn College volleyball team fell 3-1 to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) in their second of two games on August 17, 2024. The match, held at 4:00 PM in Dallas, Texas, was marked by intense rallies and fluctuating momentum, resulting in a hard-fought defeat for the Tigers.
The first set showcased Paul Quinn's resilience, as they came out strong, taking the set 25-19. The Tigers were led by A'Niyah Harrison, who contributed five kills on twenty-six attempts. Harrison, supported by JaQuelle Felton and Carrie Weston, who also tallied 5 and 4 kills respectively, helped the team capitalize on USAO's early errors.
Despite the initial success, the Tigers struggled to maintain their momentum in the subsequent sets. USAO responded with an impressive performance, taking the second set 25-17. Paul Quinn's attack percentage dropped to .280 in this set, as USAO's defense tightened. Notably, Spirit Phipps played a pivotal role in setting up her teammates, finishing with twelve assists and contributing 3 block assists.
The third set saw USAO dominating, winning 25-12. Paul Quinn faced difficulties in their attack, managing only four kills while committing four errors. Despite efforts from players like Laila Beck, who had an impressive .455 attack percentage with five kills, the Tigers could not find a rhythm.
In the final set, Paul Quinn fought back but ultimately fell short, losing 25-19. The Tigers' attack percentage dipped to .031, struggling against a well-organized USAO defense led by Samantha Perez, who recorded eighteen kills with a .438 attack percentage.
For Paul Quinn, the standout performances included Harrison's 6 points and Beck's 7.5 points, including a block solo and three block assists. However, it was not enough to overcome the balanced and aggressive play of USAO, who remained undefeated with a 4-0 record.
The loss drops Paul Quinn to 1- on the season, but the team showed flashes of potential that could bode well for the rest of the year. The Tigers will look to regroup and refine their game as they continue their season.
Paul Quinn will next take on Evangel August 23, aiming to bounce back and build on the lessons learned from this match.