WEATHERFORD, Okla. – East Central University volleyball was unable to find a consistent rhythm Tuesday night, falling to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in straight sets (25-10, 25-20, 25-12) inside the Pioneer Event Center.
The Tigers (10-16, 5-8 GAC) faced an early deficit in the opening set as Southwestern (16-9, 9-4 GAC) took control offensively, hitting .458 with 12 kills to secure a 25-10 win.
ECU showed improvement in the second set, recording nine kills and limiting the Bulldogs to a .250 hitting percentage. The Tigers battled to stay within reach but were unable to overcome the deficit as Southwestern claimed the set 25-20 to take a 2-0 match advantage.
The Bulldogs maintained their momentum in the third set, collecting 14 kills and hitting .306 to close out the match with a 25-12 victory.
Southwestern held the edge offensively with 40 kills to ECU's 22 and 38 assists to the Tigers' 20. ECU recorded five service aces compared to seven for the Bulldogs, while SWOSU also led in blocks (8-3) and digs (53-43).
Addison Iman led the Tigers offensively with eight kills, followed by
Jaylani Evans with five.
Emily Pena paced ECU with 16 assists and added four digs, while Evans recorded nine digs to lead the Tigers defensively.
Gabriela Etter chipped in seven digs, and
Breana Timms finished with five. ECU also tallied five service aces, with Pena contributing two and
Faiana Halatoa,
Mia Little, and
Lana Wright each recording one.
The Tigers will look to regroup as they return to the Kerr Activities Center for a Great American Conference rivalry matchup against Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Thursday, Oct. 29.
