Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score Goodwell, Okla.—The Oscar Williams Field House was full of spirit Friday night as the Aggie volleyball team hosted the third annual Halloween Spiketacular in conjunction with a Heartland Conference match against St. Mary's University.

Fans entered a darkly decorated lobby where they were greeted by the Aggie Cheer team wearing costumes. Once in the gym, the real action began as the Aggies took on a conference opponent in a four-set contest on the court. St. Mary's took the first set 25-23 and the Aggies came back with a stellar performance in set two, winning 25-12 and hitting at over 52 percent with 13 kills on 19 attacks.

A costume contest took place during the intermission between the second and third sets with cash prizes awarded to fan favorites in the following categories: youth/child – Helen Olson, adult – Jason Minor, college student – Samantha Arledge,  group-OPSU Baseball, most original – Salina Galindo. Play resumed with the Rattlers coming back strong winning the final two sets 25-18 and 25-16 to take the win for the night.

While the outcome was not as preferred, the Aggies have plenty to be proud having game-high leaders in five stats. Madigan Gonzales had a great game and was the leading scorer with 16.5 points on ten kills, 2.5 blocks and four service aces. Libero Dejiana Rubio had a game-high of 13 digs in the match and Abigail Reinick and Julia Ibarra led the team in assists with 18 and 12 respectively.

The Aggies averaged .164 in hitting percentage for the night and totaled 12 service aces in the match. St. Mary's averaged .260 hitting percentage and was led by Lauren Holcomb who totaled 13 points on 10 kills, two blocks and one ace. Setter Maddy Walsh earned a game-high 20 assists. The Rattlers improve to a 6-18 overall record with a conference record of 4-9. OPSU Volleyball now holds a season record of 1-27 and still search for their first Heartland win.

After the match kids of all ages and the young at heart were invited onto the court as the volleyball team led a trick-or-treating line, giving out candy and thanks to all who cheered them on and made the Halloween Spiketacular a fun and successful event.

The Aggies take to the road next week to compete in a tournament hosted by Newman University in Wichita, Kan. Games begin Friday, Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. when the Aggies take on Eastern New Mexico; they hit the court again at 2 p.m. to play West Texas A&M and wrap up the weekend with a Heartland Conference match against Newman at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The team returns for their final two home games of the season the following week, starting with a conference game against Lubbock Christian on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. for Military and First Responders Appreciation Day. The season finale takes place Nov. 14 with the Aggies' last conference game against Texas-Permian Basin at 10 a.m.; seniors will be recognized prior to the match.