Women's Volleyball | 11/30/2020 11:32:00 AM

 
GOODWELL, Okla. – Oklahoma Panhandle State University's volleyball team – like many other teams across the nation – finished the fall portion of its unusual split-season format, brought about by its championship being moved to Spring 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns. No doubt that Aggies' first-year head coach Julie Allen was more-than-pleased with her team's 5-1 record after finishing up in the fall.
 
"What an interesting year," Allen said matter-of-factly! "We had the opportunity to compete in the fall against outside competition, as well as some Sooner Athletic Conference teams (in non-conference matches). Each match allowed myself and the team opportunities to grow together as one unit. We were able to trust the game plan, adapt when teams brought new stuff and fight together. It was a great time. 
 
"Not only was the fall a productive time, it was a time where we felt the love and support from our other sports teams, university and community. At each match they were there helping us push towards the finish line and the win for the Aggies! And, they saw us get tested each match and gain more confidence in our team.
 
After a season-opening loss at Tabor College, OPSU reeled of wins over Arizona Christian University (twice), Wayland Baptist University, Southwestern Assemblies of God University and Mid-America Christian University. The five-consecutive wins is the most in the modern era of Aggie volleyball (since reinstating the sport in 2003, after dropping the program in 1984). The 1981 team also won five-straight matches in the era prior to rally scoring.
 
Panhandle State's early success has also paid dividends in terms of recognition for its athletes. Five different OPSU student-athletes have earned "Player of the Week" recognition from the Sooner Athletic Conference, thus far, in 2020-21. The quintet includes: Ana Pimenta, Kennede Jones, Gracie Soza, Jayden Gormley and Lesly Galarza.
 
Once the 2020-21 campaign restarts, OPSU will begin its SAC slate of games at home on February 25 versus Central Christian College. The Aggies will also host matches versus John Brown University (March 12), Oklahoma City University (Apr. 2) and Southwestern Christian (Apr. 3) at Anchor D Arena in the spring.
 
"All of us are looking forward to the Spring '21 volleyball championship season," Allen stated. "We will look to play a few outside matches, as well as 10 Sooner Athletic Conference matches. Our goals remain the same as the fall: to improve each day as an individual player and team. For the team, we want to be thankful for the opportunity to play with each other and go to school and to not let one opportunity pass us by without a fight for it.
 
"I look forward to getting back into the gym with the team in the beginning of the new school year. We have just scratched the surface with this team. I am very thankful to have an amazing team, full of amazing young women who are focused, determined and have the growth mindset. The opportunity to coach these young women for the spring volleyball championship season is a blessing and I cannot wait."