From OCU Sports
Rich Tortorelli, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
MARSHALL, Mo. – Oklahoma City University opened the season with a 25-19, 25-15, 25-18 win over McPherson (Kan.) on Friday at the Burns Athletic Complex in the Missouri Valley Viking Invitational.
The Stars succumbed to Park (Mo.), ranked 12th in NAIA volleyball, by a 25-16, 25-17, 25-18 count Friday evening.
Stehani Nell spearheaded OCU against Park with nine kills and three digs. Holly Randall topped the Stars with five blocks, while Sanja Vojnovic accumulated 22 assists for the Stars.
Dani Chase picked up nine digs, and Fia Faa’agi added five kills and three blocks.
After Park took the first set, the Stars fought back in the second frame. OCU led 7-3 early in the second set. Randall, a junior from Edmond, Okla., sparked the Stars by teaming on blocks with Marijana Bjelobrk and Faa’agi for the first two points of the set.
Park gained the lead with six unanswered points to go up 13-9. Park reeled off a 7-0 run to build an 18-8 advantage in the third set.
Against McPherson, Faa’agi posted nine kills, three digs and four blocks, while Manon Sararu added nine kills and two aces.
Nell recorded eight kills, nine digs and four blocks, and Vojnovic piled up 30 assists. Lindsey Grace scooped 11 digs, and Randall had four blocks. Caitlin Chamness served up two aces.
The Stars improved 9-2 in season-starting matches since OCU reintroduced volleyball as an intercollegiate program.
OCU takes on Bethany (Kan.) at 9 a.m., before facing William Woods (Mo.) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Marshall, Mo.