GOODWELL, Okla. — The Oklahoma Panhandle State volleyball team (7-9, 5-4 SAC) opened Homecoming Saturday with high energy but ultimately fell in straight sets, 24-26, 16-25, 22-25, to Nelson (10-8, 8-1).
 
After trailing in the first set 20-14, OPSU secured six of the seven next points to get Anchor D Arena roaring against the Lions. The Aggies tied it at 23-all on a kill from Ava Newby, but Nelson recovered to take the advantage in the match.
 
A tough second set for the hosts continued into the third with the Lions holding a 16-11 edge, but Panhandle State battled back to within two points on four occasions – ultimately to no avail.
 
The Aggies' attack was strong with 39 kills against just 13 errors for a .208 hitting percentage. Nelson, however, averaged over 20 digs per set and added 50 kills to spoil OPSU's efforts.
 
Elena Kagiali finished with a team-high 13 kills to go with 11 digs. Taylor Silva was also solid from both the back row and on the attack with a team-high 17 digs and eight kills to boot.
 
Newby chipped in eight kills, Winiffer Rodriguez contributed 12 digs, Nyah Ulmer recorded two aces and Mia Sanchez had 27 assists to highlight the other Aggie performances.
 
What's up next: OPSU stays at home next weekend, beginning with a Friday match versus Mid-America Christian (10-6, 6-3 SAC) at 6 p.m.