Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Hobbs, N.M.—The Oklahoma Panhandle State University volleyball team wrapped up the 2014 season on the road with a tri-match against the University of the Southwest and Jarvis Christian College on Saturday, Nov. 8.

The Aggies got off to a great start taking Jarvis in three sets: 25-20, 25-15, and 25-9. OPSU held JCC to -0.62 hitting percentage for the game with the Bulldogs only landing 12 kills for the game. The Aggies totaled 34 kills led by senior Shaina Eddings who accounted for 11; Dejiana Rubio and Natalya Weber combined for another 11 with Krista Dawkins and Tayler Burzette scoring two apiece. Julia Ibarra, Terra Madden, Haley Davis and Courtney Clark each contributed on kill against Jarvis. Madden and Ibarra led the game in assists with 14 and 12 respectively and Libero Megan Archuleta totaled 13 of the team's 35 total digs. The Aggies also served up a team total of nine aces.

In response to the victory head coach Mike Stephens said, "We played with heart and determination that we've been waiting to see all season. We were in control the entire match."

OPSU took the host team University of the Southwest to four sets winning the third 25-22. The Mustangs took sets one, two and four with scores of 25-23, 25-17 and 25-13. Although the Aggies out-played the Mustangs offensively with 139 total attacks and 42 kills compared to USW's 112 attacks and 37 kills, the Mustangs were able to take advantage behind the line totaling 11 service aces while reaping the benefits of 11 service errors by the Aggies. Nicole Fournier and Dejiana Rubio did their best to keep the ball in play accounting for 23 of the team's 59 total digs. Terra Madden and Julia Ibarra also kept the Aggies in action offering 15 and 13 assists respectively.  Shaina Eddings once again led her team in kills with 12 followed by Natalya Weber who totaled nine.

Against USW Stephens felt that the Aggies put in good effort in game one taking a sizeable lead and playing not to make mistakes. "We felt assured of a win, but to their credit USW did not quit and we allowed them to take the first set." He added that the team played with a "determination to compete" overcoming a large deficit in game three and forcing a fourth set.

With a season record of 2-26 (0-16 Heartland Conference) assistant coach Tiana McCowan feels that the record does not reflect what others might consider as successful. "We saw great improvement in a lot of areas as a program. Building tradition and culture does not happen overnight and I'm proud of these young ladies because they pushed really hard in all areas." McCowan added, "I'm sad to see our seniors go, but I know the group we have left is ready to push and continue to improve in the spring."

Stephens also sees a turning point for the coming season saying that "The returners realize what it means to build on how we finished and have a drive to succeed. The apathy of the past has not influenced the future of the program. 2015 looks to be the best season yet!"