Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score Goodwell, Okla.—As the 2015 OPSU Volleyball season came to a close Saturday morning, thus did the college playing careers of three seniors; Megan Archuleta, Celci Bakos and Dejiana Rubio were all recognized prior to the Aggies' season finale against the University of Texas-Permian Basin.

UTPB earned the win in the three sets with scores of 25-16, 25-19 and 25-19. All three seniors started on the court for OPSU serving time in each set. Archuleta contributed seven digs and one service ace, Bakos scored on four kills and Rubio at libero came up with a team-high nine digs as well as one ace.

The Aggies totaled 22 kills, three service aces and six team blocks while the Lady Falcons earned points on 29 kills, nine aces and nine total team blocks. UTPB's Caitlyn Guajardo was the match-leader in points with 11.5 off ten kills and 1.5 blocks; Madigan Gonzales led the Aggies with eight points on seven kills and one ace. Leading the game in assists for UTPB was Taylor Black with 16 and Abigail Reinick led the Aggies with 12. Marina Salazar had 13 digs for the Lady Falcons to lead the game at libero.

With one win on the season (1-32), OPSU assistant coach Mike Stara commented, "Our record doesn't really indicate our level of success and how far we have gotten this season." Quoting Mark Richt, Stara added, "Your character and worth doesn't come from what you do and how well you perform; it comes from who you are as a human being." Stara feels that personifies the three seniors and their successes to come.

Head coach Mike Stephens also commented on the season saying, "It was filled with some monumental firsts and yet we just could never seem able to play consistently at the high level that helped us to achieve those milestones."  He also stated, "We have a terrific foundation for future athletic success. I wish the seniors the best as they move on from graduation. If they use the same effort and determination in their careers as they did here at OPSU, they cannot help but be successful."

Saturday the Aggies also included a Military and First Responders Appreciation Day. Prior to the match Madison Hughes gave a powerful acapella performance of the Star Spangled Banner, which yielded a powerful applause from the crowd. Hughes, a senior at OPSU, is also a member of the university's Equestrian program. Between the second and third sets Coach Stephens asked for a brief moment of silence in recognition of all who serve and have served in the United States military, law enforcement and first responder units.

The Aggies now shift their focus to the off-season and will begin preparations for the season ahead in 2016. Congratulations and good luck to the seniors as they too, shift their focus to the future ahead.