OPSU Volleyball stumbles in opener on the road
HILLSBORO, Kan. – Oklahoma Panhandle State University volleyball had its season opener – as well as the debut of OPSU Head Coach Julie Allen – spoiled at Tabor College, falling 3-1 in a non-conference tilt. The Aggies (0-1) lost to the Bluejays (45) by scores of 25-18, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20).
In set one, the two teams stayed close until a Tabor six-point run gave the hosts a 9-4 cushion. With the score 13-11 in favor of TC, another run – this time five points – created separation, 17-11.
In the Panhandle set two win, the visiting Aggies overcame a 2016 deficit, thanks to a kill by Andria Santoyo and three-consecutive winning serves from junior libero Ashley Sanchez to knot matters at 20-20. A kill by Essence West got OPSU the serve at 22-22 and Lesly Galarza served out the final three points, 25-22.
In the third set, Tabor jumped ahead 4-0 and led wire-to-wire. Panhandle held a 14-12 cushion in set four, but the Jays reeled off eight-consecutive points to put the match out of the Aggies’ reach.
Freshman right-side hitter Ana Pimenta led the OPSU team with a double-double of 11 kills and 11 digs, making 36 attack attempts. Pimenta also contributed three assists and an ace.
West finished the match with 10 kills in 34 attempts, to go along with six digs.
Kennede Jones had a nice all-around match with eight kills, seven solo blocks and four digs. The tandem of Galarza and Celena Torbio had 12 and 16 assists, respectively. Torbio added three solo blocks and Galarza chipped in eight digs.
Gracie Soza topped the backrow players with 13 digs.
OPSU will look for victory No. 1 of 202021 this coming Friday (Oct. 2) when it plays host to Arizona Christian University. The match will be played at Panhandle State’s Noble Center (due to construction on the Anchor D Arena floor) and admission will be free to all fans.