Drovers Deliver Historic Performance to Defeat WBU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-11, 5-6 SAC) claimed their most impressive win in program history, with a five-set triumph against Wayland Baptist University (7-7, 7-4 SAC). The Drovers are now technically 3-13 against the Pioneers all-time, but USAO's previous two "wins" against WBU came via forfeits in the 2021 season. 

The Drovers are now halfway through conference play, having played each conference opponent once so far, and USAO currently sits in eighth place in the SAC standings with a 5-6 record. At the end of the regular season, the top eight teams advance to the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament. 

On Saturday, the Pioneers got off to a strong start and won the first two sets by scores of 25-15 and 25-20, respectively. The Drovers began to turn things around in the third set, claiming a 25-21 victory, followed by a 25-22 win in the fourth set, forcing a fifth and final set for the second time in as many days for USAO. The Drovers got off to a hot start in the fifth set and wrapped up the match with a 15-9 win.

As a team, the Drover offense produced a solid .215 attack percentage with 60 kills, while the Pioneers recorded a .193 attack percentage and 57 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 57 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 77 digs and eight total blocks. Wayland produced 54 assists, 64 digs, and eight total blocks. Additionally, USAO recorded three service aces, while WBU tallied fa dozen.

Giselle Calderon led the Drover offense with 15 kills on a .458 attack percentage, in addition to a solo block and three block assists. Jaliyah Cox followed closely behind with 14 kills, as well as Alacia Ledoux with 13 kills. Morgan Kobe added 11 kills on a .429 attack percentage, in addition to an ace, a solo block, and three block assists. Laura Barrios Bardi tallied five kills and a trio of block assists. 

Bailey Makahununiu distributed a team-high of 27 assists, in addition to 11 digs for her third double-double of the season. Josie Joyce dished out 23 assists and collected five digs on defense. 

Brynlee Birney anchored the USAO defense with 19 digs, followed by Yaiza Larrauri with 15 digs. Mallory Miller contributed 13 digs in the win. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head to Waxahachie, Texas to begin the second half of conference-play as they face Nelson University on Friday, October 11. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT.

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