Golden Eagles Edge the Drovers in Arkansas

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-9, 2-4 SAC) suffered a three-set loss on the road at John Brown University (6-9, 5-2 SAC). 

The Drovers got off to a good start to open the match, holding a 6-3 lead early on. However, the Golden Eagles got hot in the middle of the set and cruised to a 25-18 win in the first set. The second set started much like the first, with USAO holding an early lead prior to the Golden Eagles soaring back to claim the win. JBU edged USAO 25-21 in the second set.

The third set was tightly contested and JBU held a slim 16-14 lead midway through. However, the Golden Eagles wrapped up the match as they closed the third set on a 9-2 run. 

As a team, the Drover offense compiled a .106 attack percentage with 41 kills, while the Golden Eagles recorded a .256 attack percentage and 38 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 36 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 60 digs and one total block. John Brown produced 35 assists, 47 digs, and 13 total blocks. Additionally, USAO scored on three service aces, while JBU tallied 10 aces. 

Alacia Ledoux led the USAO offense with a match-high of 11 kills, along with eight digs. Jaliyah Cox tallied eight kills and nine digs, while Giselle Calderon added seven kills. 

Josie Joyce dished out a team high of 17 assists, in addition to eight digs. Bailey Makahununiu dished out 15 assists and added four digs. 

Yaiza Larrauri led the USAO defense with 15 digs, two assists, and two aces. Brynlee Birney recorded 10 digs and a pair of assists. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action Oklahoma for a match at Mid-America Christian University on Wednesday, September 25. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT on the campus of MACU in Oklahoma City.

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