GOODWELL, Okla. – The Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggie Volleyball team hosted Sooner Athletic Conference opponent Wayland Baptist University Pioneers in a mid-week match. The Aggies and Pioneers are coming into the game after a tough weekend loss against no. 8 Southwestern Assemblies of God and no. 24 Texas Wesleyan University. The Aggies prevailed in the most recent match between the two teams, which took place in Plainview, Texas, and consisted of four sets.
Tonight, the Aggies started the match on a strong note, easily winning the opening set, 25-14. They managed a total of 13 kills out of 42 opportunities, for a hitting percentage of.238. In addition, the Aggie's held the Pioneers' offense and, limited to 8 kills and seven errors on a total of 42 attempts, for a hitting average of.024.
In the second set, the Pioneers managed to cut down on their errors, which allowed them to keep the Aggies within striking distance. However, the Aggies did not allow this to deter them from continuing the momentum they gained in the first set. The second set featured numerous lengthy rallies, forceful swings, and challenging serves. The Aggies put up a valiant effort to overcome their opponent and seize the lead, winning s et two 25-23.
The Aggies got off to a shaky start in the third set, while the Pioneers jumped out to an early lead with four consecutive aces on the serving line. The head coach of the Aggies called a time-out, and after it was over, the Aggies came back out ready to play, intent on altering the course of the set. Every point was fought fiercely, with each side trading aggressive swings, solid blocks, and impressive digs. It was a battle. It wasn't until the Aggies hit point 16 that they were able to keep their lead throughout the rest of the set, which ultimately led to them winning the set 25-20.
Head Coach
Julie Allen shared, "Our Aggies continue to impress me in a big way. We got to witness a fantastic Aggie team getting into a great rhythm as a team, and when the pressure was on, they relied on each other and continued playing without hesitation."
The Aggies were led by two juniors,
Angela Youngs and Joelle LaForce. Both Youngs and LaForce contributed to the team's success, with Youngs racking up 12 kills while hitting.348 and LaForce contributing nine kills while hitting.320.
Rebecca Candido, a senior, contributed five kills, four digs, and two solo blocks, while
Essence West contributed four kills, two solo blocks, and fifteen digs.
In comparison, the Aggies recorded eight service aces at the service line while the Pioneers only managed three.
Gracie Soza, a junior libero for the Aggies, led the Aggies to victory by recording four service aces, 17 digs, and six assists. Additionally, setters
Lesly Galarza and
Remi Vargas both had two aces in the service department. Galarza finished with 16 digs and 14 set assists. Vargas had 15 set assists and eight digs.
Tomorrow, October 19th, 2022, at six o'clock in the evening, the Aggies will be hosting the University of Southwest of New Mexico in Anchor D. Arena for their next contest.
