From UCO Sports Info.
Mike Kirk, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations
EDMOND – Jordan Spence had seven third-set kills to key a rally that enabled Central Oklahoma to complete a sweep of Emporia State and clinch at least a share of its first-ever Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association championship Friday night at Hamilton Field House.
The No. 15-ranked Bronchos prevailed 25-12, 25-21, 25-23 for their fifth straight win – and 17th in a row at home – heading into Saturday’s 2 p.m. regular season finale with No. 14 Washburn, where a win would give UCO the outright league title.
“We got off to a great start and then struggled some in the last two sets, but we found a way to get it done,” said head coach Edgar Miraku, whose team improved to 27-3 overall and 15-2 in the conference. “It feels good to have a share of the championship and we’re looking forward to a big match tomorrow with Washburn.”
Taylor Bevis led the Bronchos with 15 kills and a .345 attack percentage, while Barbara Jackson had 13 kills. Spence hit .417 in finishing with 11 kills and six blocks.
UCO also got 42 assists and three assisted blocks from Katy Davis and 21 digs from Whitney Gifford.
The Bronchos fell behind 9-5 in the third set in their attempt at finishing off a fourth consecutive sweep before rallying to it at 16 on a Deborah Ijeoma Njenje kill.
A Spence kill put UCO in front to stay at 19-18 and the freshman middle blocker followed a Jackson kill with a hard smash down the middle to make it 21-18. The Hornets got within 24-23 before Bevis finally ended the match with a shot to the corner.
The Bronchos rolled in the opening set, hitting .410 with 18 kills and just two errors, and the second set was close throughout before UCO used a late surge to put it away.
Njenje’s kill broke a 20-all tie, ESU followed with an attack error and Karen Montes served up an ace before Spence and Njenje teamed up for a block to make it 24-20.
The Hornets scored to stay alive, but Spence ended it with a shot down the line.