GOODWELL, Okla. — The Oklahoma Panhandle State volleyball team (7-8, 5-3 SAC) battled tough early but faded late Friday night as it saw its five-game winning streak snapped, 24-26, 26-24, 17-25, 16-25, versus SAC-undefeated Texas Wesleyan (11-4, 8-0).
 
The Aggies made a statement in the opening set, giving the Rams everything they could handle as the frame featured 13 ties and three lead changes. Despite holding a late advantage thanks to 11 kills versus TWU's nine, the Rams surged late to take the set, 26-24.
 
OPSU's attack ratcheted up another notch in the second set with 16 kills, while its defense also kept rallies alive time and time again. A late 24-23 deficit saw head coach Ilani Dalton use a timeout, but with the Aggie faithful cheering on the hosts, Panhandle State rallied with three straight points to tie the match at 1-1.
 
The Aggies hung with the Rams until midway through the third set when the visitors went on an extended run, momentum from which they carried over to the fourth set to stay unbeaten in conference play.
 
Despite the loss, OPSU recorded more digs (72-66) and the same number of kills (50-50) as the Rams on the night. Too many attack and service errors from Panhandle State proved to be the difference, however.
 
The Aggies' second-set win marked the first time they had taken a set against TWU since 2021.
 
Winiffer Rodriguez led the defensive effort with 23 digs, while Elena Kagiali and Mia Sanchez each also ended with double-digit digs. Emma Coburn and Brenna Moore were strong at the net with four and two blocks, respectively.
 
Kagiali recorded 18 kills on 46 swings, and Skyla Stark chipped in 11 kills on 30 attacks. Sanchez set up the offense with 39 assists.
 
What's up next: OPSU looks to start Homecoming off with a win when it hosts Nelson (9-8, 7-1) Saturday at 1 p.m.