ADA, Okla. – The East Central University volleyball team continued its strong weekend Friday afternoon, sweeping Southern Arkansas University in straight sets, 25-11, 25-23 and 25-10, inside the Kerr Activities Center.
With the win, the Tigers improve to 8-11 overall and 3-4 in Great American Conference play, completing a perfect 2-0 weekend at home. ECU will hit the road next week for a pair of GAC matchups against Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University on Oct. 8 and 9 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
ECU made quick work of the opening set, jumping out to an 8-2 lead and continuing to build its advantage throughout the frame. The Tigers led by as many as 13 points at 21-8 before
Peyton Spahn delivered three consecutive kills to close out the set, 25-11.
Southern Arkansas came out with more momentum in the second set, opening with a 4-0 run and extending its lead to 7-1. The Tigers steadily chipped away at the deficit before the teams traded points through the middle of the set. Trailing 20-18, ECU rallied with four straight points behind the serving of
Briley Marion to reclaim the lead. The teams battled to a 23-23 tie, but back-to-back attack errors by the Muleriders gave the Tigers a 25-23 set victory and a 2-0 match advantage.
The third set belonged to ECU, as the Tigers surged to a commanding 13-3 lead and never looked back. ECU maintained control from there, using another Southern Arkansas error to secure the 25-10 win and complete the straight-set sweep.
The Tigers finished with 40 kills and a .333 hitting percentage, while holding Southern Arkansas to 28 kills and a .018 clip. ECU also led in assists (36-26), digs (54-41) and blocks (11-2), and service aces (5-1).
Addison Iman led the Tigers with 10 kills while hitting .333, and
Reagan Hutchinson added eight kills on 21 attempts for a .381 hitting percentage.
Lana Wright contributed seven kills while hitting .700 and added four blocks.
Emily Pena directed the offense with 27 assists and added 12 digs, while Wallace and Marion helped anchor the defense with eight and 11 digs, respectively. Marion also recorded three service aces while Wallace added eight assists.
