GOODWELL, Okla. – Oklahoma Panhandle State University had an historic Friday evening, in its 3-1 victory (25-20, 16-25, 25-19, 25-22) over Southwestern Assemblies of God University at Anchor D Arena. The Aggies (4-1) not only defeated the Lions (1-1) for the first-time in program history, but also inaugurated OPSU's new gym floor with the "W" and notched the team's fourth-consecutive victory.
 
The four-straight wins is the most consecutive wins on the court in the Aggies' modern era of volleyball (2003 and forward). The last Panhandle squad to win more was the 1981 team that notched five-consecutive wins in the AIAW-era and when teams played best-of-three sets. OPSU also won four-straight in 2019, but was aided by a forfeit win.
 
On Friday and with a festive atmosphere – supported by sponsor Bank of the Panhandle providing free fresh-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for fans – OPSU used its strong attack to out-hit SAGU, .239 to .190. Additionally, the Panhandle State's defense posted 11 team blocks, while the Lions managed just five versus the Aggie attack. Eight of Panhandle's blocks were assisted, as the SAGU attackers frequently had two blockers in their hitting lanes.
 
"Friday night was a great match to be a part of," OPSU Head Coach Julie Allen said. "We played with fight, determination and high-level thinking about the game. They were making very smart decision and placement where to serve and hit. It was a whole team effort and win. As a coach, the team showed complete trust in each other and myself. As we stuck together competing, it allowed the team to take the win. It was a full team effort to pull out a win versus a very strong SAGU team.
 
"SAGU is a well-coached and disciplined team that continued to provide headaches throughout the night. As you saw, the offenses for both team were full of fireworks with many players getting kills in double digits.  And both team's defenses were evenly matched, as well."
 
Sophomore middle blocker Kennede Jones had an especially good night on the attack, as part of a trio of players with 11 kills for OPSU. Jones was errorless in 20 attacks attempts, for a match-leading .550 attack average. She also added four assisted blocks.
 
Joining Jones with 11 kills was Ana Pimenta and Essence West. Pimenta registered a service ace and three blocks (making her responsible for a team-leading 14.5 points), while West chipped in four assisted blocks and nine digs to the OPSU coffers.
 
Sophomore outside hitter Sydnee Saunders was the fourth Aggie with double-digit kills, knocking down 10 in 26 tries (a .269 attack average). Saunders also made six digs on defense.
 
Junior libero/defensive specialist Ashley Sanchez had a match-high 19 digs. Junior setter Lesly Galarza had 21 assists, while sophomore teammate Celenia Toribio added 16 assists. Gracie Soza added seven digs.
 
Jayden Gormley, a junior middle blocker, led Panhandle State's blocking with five total (one solo). She also had three kills in 10 attempts, with zero errors (.300).
 
OPSU will wrap up the fall portion of 2020-21 on Friday, November 6 at home (7 p.m.) versus Mid-American Christian University in another non-conference tilt.