Women's Volleyball | 9/17/2019 10:47:00 PM

 
GOODWELL, Okla. – In a battle of two upper-tier teams in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, the Oklahoma Panhandle State University volleyball dropped a home contest to Wayland Baptist University, 3-0, at Anchor D Arena at Oscar Williams Field House. Entering the night tied for second in the SAC standings, the Aggies (6-6, 3-2 SAC) were defeated by the Pioneers (8-8, 4-1 SAC), 25-15, 25-23, 25-19.
 
In set one, Panhandle score the first point of the match, but WBU reeled off the next four points and never trailed the rest of the way. The Pioneers led by as much as 11 (23-12) before eventually winning, 25-15.
 
In set two, the Aggies blew out of the gate. Keeley Johnston served nine-consecutive winners to open matters. After that juncture, however, Panhandle State did not serve more than two-straight winners the rest of the set. The result was the Pioneers chipping away at the OPSU advantage and catching the hosts at 20-20, before finishing off the set, 25-23.
 
Set three was nip-and-tuck most of the way. The Aggies led by as much as three, 10-7 and 12-9, early. The teams see-sawed the next few points. With the teams tied at 18-18, WBU would out-score Panhandle 7-1 to close out the match, 25-19.
 
Freshman Sydnee Saunders led OPSU with eight kills and also had eight digs. Teammate Richelle Carroll a nice effort of seven kills, 11 digs and two blocks.
 
Hannah Murray and Ashley Sanchez each had 11 digs, as well. Murray chipped in five kills, as well.
 
Setter Keeley Johnston booked 26 assists and a match-high three service aces. Johnston also was credited with five digs, and two blocks. Senior Ruth Ard added six kills.