ADA, Okla. – The East Central University volleyball team jumped back into the win column with a five-set victory over rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University, after their originally scheduled match on Monday was postponed. Both teams came out hungry for the win, but the Tigers would come out on top, outlasting the Storm in a thriller five-set match (16-25, 25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 15-8) on Saturday night in the Kerr Activities Center.
 
With the win, ECU improves to 15-13 overall, tying the program record for most wins in a single season, and 9-5 in conference play, while SE drops to 7-7 in conference standings.

"We started off shaky but I was proud to see us fight back, be tested, and finish," Head Coach Danielle Essix said. "We still have goals that we are looking to check off as we prepare for the post season."
 
After dropping the first set 16-25, the Tigers turned it around in set two with a 25-16 win and then claimed set three 25-21 to take a 2-1 match lead. However, SE stormed back in set four, flipping the score to clinch a 25-21 victory and force a decisive fifth set.  

In the final frame, tensions were high as both teams traded points until they were tied at 5-all. Then, ECU answered with a crucial 6-1 scoring run, taking an 11-6 lead and shifting the momentum firmly in their favor. The Storm managed two quick points, but the Tigers responded with four straight to seal the match and secure the victory. 
 
Offensively, Odalys Gonzalez and Emma Strickland led the way, each recording 15 kills. Gonzalez also contributed 19 digs, while Strickland added 18 digs for a double-double. Julia Kabala ran the offense registering 38 assists and 14 digs. In the back row, Valentina Tijerina posted a team-high 24 digs, while Macey McAmis set a career-high with 19 digs.
 
The Tigers will hit the road one final time in the regular season for a matchup with Oklahoma Baptist University on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6 pm in Shawnee.