Perez Produces Magnificence as Drovers Take Down the Bobcats

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (11-7, 5-4 SAC) earned an impressive four-set victory on the road at College of the Ozarks (10-4, 5-4 SAC). 

The Drovers got off to a tremendous start and cruised to an impressive 25-14 win in the opening set. The Bobcats held a brief lead to begin the second set, but the Drovers turned things around and possessed a 13-11 advantage midway through the frame. The score remained tight down the stretch, but USAO was able to cling to the 25-23 victory and take a commanding two-set lead. Ozarks jumped out to an early lead in the third set and controlled a 13-8 advantage midway through. The Bobcats managed to hold off the Drovers and extend the match with a 25-20 win.

USAO opened the fourth set on a 4-0 run, prior to holding a 13-10 lead halfway through. The Drovers caught fire and closed out the match on a 12-9 run.

As a team, the Drover offense produced .200 attack percentage with 53 kills, while the Bobcats recorded only a 0.91 attack percentage and 42 kills. USAO's setters dished out a total of 45 assists, meanwhile the defense produced 68 digs and 7.0 total blocks. CofO produced 34 assists, 55 digs, and 13.0 total blocks. Additionally, both teams tallied six aces. 

Samantha Perez led the Drovers with a magnificent double-double performance, concluding with 20 kills on a .349 attack percentage, and 15 digs on defense. She also produced two aces and four blocks. 

Chloe Conover contributed 11 kills, five digs, and a pair of blocks, while Giselle Calderon added nine kills (.500 attack percentage) and two of blocks. Jaliyah Cox put away seven kills and Morgan Kobe led the team with five blocks. 

Ytzel Garcia distributed a season-high of 42 assists, along with 13 digs on defense.

Brynlee Birney anchored USAO's defense with 19 digs and provided a pair of aces. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 3 as they travel to Plainview, Texas to take on Wayland Baptist University. First serve is slated for 6:00 PM CT.

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