ADA, Okla. – The East Central University volleyball team faced a tough challenge Thursday night, taking on undefeated Ouachita Baptist University in the Battle of the Tigers. Despite flashes of strong play, ECU couldn't overcome an early deficit and fell in straight sets (18-25, 16-25, 14-25).
 
The loss drops ECU to 4-4 in Great American Conference play, while Ouachita remains perfect at 8-0. The Tigers will look to bounce back quickly as they return to action Friday, Oct. 17, at 4 p.m. against Henderson State University.
 
Ouachita wasted no time seizing control in the opening set, jumping out to a commanding 9-1 lead. ECU managed to claw back into contention behind aggressive serving from Kensington White, closing the gap to 16-12. However, Ouachita responded with a strong finish to take the set 25-18.
 
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Ouachita building an early 8-3 advantage and extending it to 21-8. ECU showed late life with a 5-0 run followed by another 3-point burst, cutting the deficit to 23-16. But two consecutive errors sealed the 25-16 set loss.
 
Set three initially looked more promising for ECU, who took a 3-1 lead and stayed close through the early exchanges. Trailing narrowly at 13-12, the Tigers were within striking distance before Ouachita launched a decisive 9-0 run that swung the momentum for good. ECU couldn't recover and suffered its first home loss of the 2025 season.
 
Faiana Halatoa led the Tigers with 10 kills, followed by Kensington White with seven. Emily Pena dished out 25 assists and added nine digs, while Valentina Tijerina anchored the back row with a team-high 14 digs.