Volleyball Weathers Savage Storm

September 25, 2008

WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State University dug down and fought off a determined effort by visiting Southeastern Oklahoma State University and emerged with an exciting 3-1 volleyball victory Thursday in Weatherford.

The Bulldogs won by scores of 19-25, 25-20, 25-16 and 25-22. The victory raised SWOSU’s record to 6-9 on the year and pulled them to 1-2 in the Lone Star Conference. SOSU dropped to 10-7 and 0-3 with the loss.

SWOSU raised its level of play considerably after a sluggish start that spotted the Savage Storm a 25-19 first-game win. The Bulldogs put together solid efforts in game two and three, hitting at a .194 clip both times, and won easily by scores of 25-20 and 25-16.

In game four, the Bulldogs were down 21-16 and facing the possibility of a game five. However, SWOSU raised its level and won five straight points and tied it at 21-21 after a service ace by Kayla Bader.

Kacia Sandburg had an emphatic block to make to put SWOSU in front 22-21.  Then she added a kill herself, along with teammate Breawn Waynes to put the Bulldogs one point from the win. The game ended when SOSU’s Jordan Parks sailed a serve long over the baseline.

SWOSU finished the game with 54 kills on 34 errors in 160 attacks for a .119 hitting percentage. SOSU hit just .048 and did not hit in positive territory after a blistering .268 in game one.

Jennifer Naramore and Waynes each had 12 kills to lead the Bulldogs while Sandburg added 11. Kristen Kaufman kept the offense running assisting on 41 kills.

SWOSU will next play Saturday at home against first-year program East Central University. Gametime is set for 12 noon.