MOBILE, Ala. – Oklahoma Baptist's first match of the year saw improvement in each set, but by the end, No. 11-ranked Southwest Minnesota State had won 3-0.
Key Leaders
First Set
Martin and Hellmuth's combined block on a Leah Jones attack had OBU trailing 5-4 early. However, the 11th-ranked Mustangs turned to Kusler and Emma VanHeel after that to seize control. SMSU scored nine of the next 12 points forcing an OBU timeout with the scoreboard reading 14-7. Kusler and VanHeel each tallied four kills in the opening set, leading the Mustangs to a .469 attack mark. Alternatively, OBU hit .129.
Second Set
The Bison battled throughout, kept things close, but ended up falling 25-20. On several occasions, OBU was within five points, lastly at 21-17 after a
Jill Leslie kill. But SMSU never allowed the green and gold to get into a rhythm. Four different Mustangs registered at least three kills while OBU's Leslie and
Jh'Kyah Head each secured three kills.
Third Set
In an incredible final stanza, there were eight ties and four lead changes. OBU showed some real grit, putting pressure on the No. 11 team. Trailing 20-17, the Bison scored four in a row highlighted by a block from Hellmuth and
Kenedy Houchin and a kill from Safrit. Later, and tied at 22-all, Kusler pushed SMSU ahead where they would keep the lead the rest of the way. OBU put forth a good effort though, connecting on a team-high .216 while Frierson, Leslie and Safrit contributed three kills apiece.
On the Horizon
Later Friday at 5 p.m., the Bison will go against host Spring Hill.
