GOODWELL, OKLA. - The Panhandle State Aggie Volleyball team ended regular-season conference play in the Anchor D. Arena today. They hosted Southwestern Christian University (SCU) Eagles in what would end in an Aggie sweep. The Aggies took the match 25-18, 25-12, and 25-9.
The Aggies hit the court after a huge upset win, defeating the #2 seed Oklahoma City University the night before. Panhandle State was confident in their game plan and set that in motion early in the match. The Aggies found their rhythm late in set 1 and cruised to a win, clipping a .239 at the net and holding the Eagles to a 0.70 hitting percentage.
The Aggies dominated the second and third sets. Aggie hitters took advantage of the blocking holes and delivered a .367 in set 2 and a .385 in set 3. Panhandle State blocking and defense pushed the Eagles into hitting -.026 in set 2 and .000 in the third.
Keera Parks led the Aggies at the net with 3 solo blocks and 4 block assists. The Aggies also had 3 players reach double digits in digs this afternoon; libero
Mckenna Coppock with 17 and
Avery Turner with 11. And, senior setter
Lesly Galarza had a standout match with a double-double, contributing 22 assists and 11 digs. This afternoon, the OPSU offensive game put on a show with
Essence West delivering 15 kills,
Alanys Ruiz contributing 8, and
Eduarda Souza firing off 7 of her own.
Coach Allen stated, "This was a great match to end our regular season with. Every single player that stepped on the court, whether they started or came off the bench, contributed. Our bench kept their teammates fired up. That is so important in matches like this. I wanted this weekend so much for our Seniors. They have earned it. Our next focus is tournament play. We will likely face another tough opponent, but this team can handle it. They have proven that time and time again."
The Aggies completed their 2021 regular season 20-11 (.645) overall and 12-8 (.600) in the Sooner Athletic Conference, the best record in program history since bringing it back to the Panhandle. The Aggies will enter the post-conference tournament in the 6th seed, the highest post-conference ranking in program history. The first-round location is tentative.
