Drovers Split Double-Header in Kansas

ATCHISON, Kan. – Friday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-1, 0-0 SAC) was on the road in Kansas for a double-header against Hannibal-Lagrange University (Mo.) and Benedictine College (Kan.). The Drovers split the double-header as they opened the day with a 3-0 sweep over HLU, followed by a 3-1 loss against BC.

vs HANNIBAL-LAGRANGE UNIVERSITY (0-1, 0-0 AMC)

After trailing early in the first set, the Drovers got red-hot and began to pull away with the lead. Midway through the first set, USAO held an 11-6 lead and they proceeded to stretch the lead as they cruised to a 25-15 win in the opening set.

The second set was tightly battled and HLU held a slim 13-12 lead midway through the set, but USAO rallied and closed out the set with a 25-18 victory to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

The third set was very similar to the second set, tightly contested midway through, but the Drovers once again managed to pull away with a 25-18 victory to wrap up the sweep.

As a team, the Drovers managed to put away 33 kills on a .217 attack percentage, while holding the Trojans to only 24 kills on a dismal .023 attack percentage. USAO was also excellent on defense, producing 41 digs and four total blocks. 

The well-balanced offensive attack was led by Samantha Perez with eight kills on a staggering .538 attack percentage. Giselle Calderon was also very efficient offensively, producing six kills on a .400 clip. Victoria Southerland concluded with five kills and five digs, while Gabrielle Gunnoe added five kills and three digs. Bruna Duarte finished with four kills, followed by Yeishka Reyes with three.

Madison Garcia concluded with a match-high of 15 assists, closely followed by Kalaya Pierce with 14.

Soleil Trejo anchored USAO on defense, posting a team-high of 14 digs, along with a pair of aces.

vs BENEDICTINE COLLEGE (1-0, 0-0 HAAC)

The Drovers struggled early in the opening set and trailed 13-7 midway through and ultimately suffered a 25-12 loss. 

However, USAO responded well and took an early lead in the second set, holding a 13-9 advantage midway through. The Drovers continued to fight hard and closed out the set with a 25-21 win to pull the match even at 1-1.

USAO continued their momentum and took an early lead in the third set, but it was halted midway through, and the Ravens pushed to a 25-20 victory to regain a 2-1 lead in the match.

After trailing early in the fourth set, Benedictine went on a long run to cruise to a 25-11 victory to conclude the match.

The Ravens used a high-powered offense to defeat the Drovers, putting away 56 kills on a .248 attack percentage, while USAO was only able to produce 31 kills on a .103 clip. Furthermore, Benedictine was superb on defense, closing with 53 digs, comparted to USAO's 39.

Victoria Southerland was a bright spot for the Drovers, contributing 15 kills and nine digs. Gabrielle Gunnoe closed with six kills, while Bruna Duarte and Yeishka Reyes each finished with four. Kalaya Pierce was the team's main distributer with 14 assists, in addition to six digs. Soleil Trejo concluding with a team-high in digs with 11.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers open conference play on Tuesday, August 29 as they host Mid-America Christian University. First serve is schedule for 6:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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