NWOSU Athletics
Cedric Collinge, Athletic Communications
GOODWELL – Northwestern Oklahoma State University volleyball finished their first road test victorious as the Lady Rangers won four straight games.
After a slow start in their second day of the tournament against University of Science and Arts (Okla.), the Lady Rangers put together a rather dominant win over USAO, winning 3-1.
Set 1
The Lady Rangers were their usual selves, firing on all cylinders as they got up 7-3 in the first set. Senior Brooklyn Hesson and Freshmen Stephanie Bray led the attack with a flurry of kills. The black-and-red took advantage of some errors from the Drovers giving them a commanding lead 18-13
However, the Drovers of USAO had some fight left in them. They did not go away that easy as they took advantage of some errors from the black-and-red and mounted a comeback and won the first 25-23.
Set 2
Down 0-1 in the match the Lady Rangers came alive. They started the second set with a vengeance scored a quick 8 points before a Drovers timeout.
The young core for the black-and-red stepped up big as they would not let the Drovers get within even 5 points of the Lady Rangers, pulling together to show their dominance, winning the second set 25-16.
Set 3
Northwestern found its groove as the Lady Rangers opened up the third set on top 10-2, which led to yet another Drover timeout. Things only got groovier as the Lady Rangers showed they who the stronger team was.
The black-and-red separated themselves from the Drovers to win the second set 25-11. Hitting a .500 clip, the Lady Rangers had no plans on looking back once they obtained the lead again.
Set 4
In a tough set neither team could control the lead up until the halfway mark, where it was tied at 13-13. 2017 Great American Conference Newcomer of the Year Brooklyn Hesson had better intentions as she displayed her determination to win.
Hesson scored three straight kills to give the Lady Rangers the upper hand and the lead, which gave them momentum to finish out the set and match 25-15. The black-and-red held the Drovers to only one set win and outworked them from every set on.
Versus Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Taking on Oklahoma Panhandle State University who had yet to win a match on the weekend was nothing to take lightly, and that is just what the ladies did sweeping the Aggies, 25-12, 25-12, 25-9 coming out of their first tournament undefeated at 4-0.
Set 1
NWOSU came into this game with a lot of energy after winning three straight against USAO, showing that they are a team that will outwork anybody that steps in their way. The Lady Rangers have shown consistency through the tournament when it comes to hot starts every set and it carried over to the fourth game of the weekend.
The black-and-red out the Aggies in the rear view with senior’s leaders Hannah Williams and Brooklyn Hesson combined for 10 kills, resulting in a quick 25-12 win.
Set 2
Not only was the score the same as the first set, but the high-powered play of the Lady Rangers carried over too.
Northwestern developed a lead that was too large for the Aggies to come back from, leading by as much as 14 points. Junior Jennifer Eubanks paved the way to another set won for the Lady Rangers posting five kills in the second half of the set, as they held off the Aggies 25-12.
Set 3
The Lady Ranger defense proved to be the key in the third and final set. NWOSU took advantage of its size and length holding the Aggies to a minimal .167 hitting percentage. Errors played in favor of the black-and-red as they had two attack errors to an Aggie 13. The Lady Rangers completed a smooth sweep of their last set of the tournament with a 25-9 victory.
Northwestern left its first road tournament of the 2018 season 4-0. The Lady Rangers will continue their road trip as they look forward to the Gorilla Classic Tournament in Pittsburg, Kan., next weekend. They will first take on Cameron August 31, at 11:00 a.m. in John Lance Arena.
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