Drovers Reach 10 Wins with Sweep Against Philander Smith College

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (10-14, 6-10 SAC) earned a three-set sweep in their final non-conference match of the season against Philander Smith College (11-14, 8-7 GCAC). 

With four matches remaining on the schedule for the regular season, the Drovers sit in a tie seventh place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with Oklahoma Panhandle State University. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams in the conference will compete in the SAC Tournament, with a bid to the NAIA National Championship tournament on the line. USAO has qualified for the SAC Tournament as the No. 8 seed in each of the last two seasons. 

On Tuesday, the Drovers got off to a good start and continued their momentum to earn a 25-16 win in the first set, followed by a dominant 25-13 victory in the second set. USAO wrapped up their second consecutive sweep with a 25-19 performance in the third set.

At the conclusion of the match, the USAO offense produced 39 kills on an incredible .349 attack percentage, while Philander Smith had 27 kills on a .089 attack percentage. The Drover defense contributed 32 digs and 5.0 total blocks, while the Panthers had 28 digs and 3.0 blocks. USAO scored on six aces, while PSC scored on two aces. 

Isaline Jacqucemyn and Bruna Duarte led the Drovers offensively. Jacqucemyn concluded with a team-high of 10 kills on a .348 attack percentage, while Duarte finished with nine kills on a .500 attack percentage. Duarte also added a trio of block assists.

Victoria Southerland contributed six kills, four aces, and eight digs. Tara Utornik and Gabrielle Gunnoe each added five kills.

Madison Garcia distributed a team-high of 23 assists and she inches closer to the 2,000 career assists milestone as she currently stands with 1,824. Kalaya Pierce followed Garcia with 13 assists.

Yaiza Larrauri anchored the defense with 12 digs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Bisco McPherson Court on Thursday, October 26 as they host an important match against Oklahoma Panhandle State University. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT inside Drover Fieldhouse.

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