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East Central University Athletics

Volleyball Clinches Four-Set Victory Over SAU: Essix Celebrates 100th Win
1
Southern Ark. SA 9-9,3-7 GAC
3
Winner East Central ECU 13-10,7-3 GAC
Southern Ark. SA
9-9,3-7 GAC
1
Final
3
East Central ECU
13-10,7-3 GAC
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Southern Ark. SA 19 25 22 19 (1)
East Central ECU 25 19 25 25 (3)

Game Recap: Volleyball |

Volleyball Clinches Four-Set Victory Over SAU: Essix Celebrates 100th Win

ADA, Okla. – The East Central University volleyball team hosted Southern Aransas University for a GAC showdown on Thursday night, outlasting the Muleriders in four sets (25-19, 19-25, 25-22, 25-19) inside of a loud Kerr Activities Center.
 
With the victory, the Tigers improve to 13-10 overall and 7-3 in conference play, while SAU's GAC record falls to 3-7. Notably, this match also marked a significant milestone for Head Coach Danielle Essix, as it was her 100th career win, adding to the evening's celebrations.
 
"I think tonight was a great win and we are playing some good volleyball," Essix said. "We created momentum early which is key for us. "We will continue to improve on staying consistent throughout the match but our determination to fight and not give up shows. I am really proud of us and this win truly took everyone form the players on the court, sideline, and our awesome fans."
 
The match was a roller coaster, with both teams trading momentum and keeping up rallies.
 
The Tigers surged ahead 7-0 in set one and maintained control to claim the 25-19 win before the Muleriders turned the tide in the second set, building an 11-point lead before closing out the set 25-19.
 
In set three, ECU found themselves playing from behind, but mounted a comeback to secure the set 25-22, taking a 2-1 match advantage. Although SAU erased an eight-point deficit to just two points at 18-16 in the final set, the Tigers held strong, clinching the fourth set 25-19 and the 3-1 match victory.
 
The Tigers bounced back from a tough couple of road matches, with three players reaching double-digit kills. Odalys Gonzalez led the charge with 16 kills, closely followed by Faiana Halatoa with 15 kills and Emma Strickland with 12. Gonzalez and Strickland also contributed significantly in the back row, recording 18 and 17 digs, respectively. Julia Kabala dished out 48 assists and added 17 digs while Valentina Tijerina anchored the back row with a team-high 26 digs.
 
The ECU volleyball team will have a quick turnaround as they take on Arkansas-Monticello on Friday, Oct. 25 at 4 pm.
 
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