SHAWNEE – For the first time in program history, Oklahoma Baptist has clinched a share of the Great American Conference regular-season title after dispatching Southeastern Oklahoma State, 3-0 (27-25, 25-13, 25-18), on Tuesday night in the home finale. The Bison have a chance to clinch the title outright on Thursday when they take on Northwestern Oklahoma State.
Despite a couple of changes to the lineup, OBU made short work of the Savage Storm. After needing a late rally in the first set, OBU dialed up the pressure in the second set and held SOSU to just three kills while siding out on 10 of the Bison's 14 attempts. The Bison saved their best performance for the final frame, swinging .286 while laying down 14 kills to close out the match.
Malia Leatherland led all players with 15 kills, and also tacked on 11 digs and five total blocks on the defensive front.
Hayley Daniel was second on the team with nine kills, followed by
Rachel Richie and
Brenna Holley with six kills each; it was Richie's first start of the season, as well as her final appearance inside Mabee Arena at the Noble Complex as she's set to graduate in May with a degree in education.
Rylen Moore dished out a match-high 24 assists.
Defensively, OBU played strong at the net. In addition to Leatherland's five total blocks,
Brenna Holley led the charge with eight total blocks – the second-most by a player in the GAC this season.
Audrey Poupard matched Leatherland's total with five.
Kelsi Chavez, filling in at libero for
Diana Carranza, dug out nine balls.
Oklahoma Baptist closes out the regular season with an 11-1 home record, the most home wins since 2013 when the Bison went 13-3 on their home court.
The Bison (24-5, 13-2 GAC) close out the season in Alva on Thursday at 7 PM looking to lock down their first outright conference title in the Division II era.
