Sherman, Texas - The University of the Ozarks volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Austin College on Sunday afternoon in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play and then lost 3-0 against Howard Payne in their second match of the afternoon.
The Eagles fell 25-17, 25-22, 25-21 against Austin and 25-8, 25-14, 26-24 against Howard Payne.
Against Austin College, the Eagles battled throughout the opening set, but Austin used a .179 hitting percentage and 10 kills to take the frame 25-17. Ozarks recorded six kills in the set. Ozarks came out stronger offensively in the second set, recording 13 kills while hitting .135. However, Austin limited its errors to just one and finished with a .296 hitting percentage to claim the set 25-22. The Eagles again competed closely in the third set, recording 12 kills and hitting .194. Austin finished with 14 kills and a .237 hitting percentage to secure the 25-21 victory and complete the sweep. Claire Zeiler led the Eagles with nine kills. Apperson also paced the Ozarks serving attack with five aces. Childs directed the offense with 14 assists. Lauralai Bradley led Ozarks defensively with 10 digs. Samantha Barnes recorded a team-high two blocks. As a team, Ozarks finished with 31 kills, nine aces, two blocks, 30 assists and 42 digs.
Howard Payne controlled the opening set, hitting .300 with 13 kills to take a 25-8 victory. Howard Payne continued its offensive efficiency in the second set, hitting .500 with 11 kills and just one error, claiming the set 25-14. The Eagles showed significant improvement in the third set, battling Howard Payne throughout the frame. Ozarks recorded 14 kills and hit .105, while Howard Payne posted eight kills. The Eagles pushed the set to extra points before the Yellow Jackets closed out the match 26-24. Claire Zeiler led Ozarks offensively with nine kills. Brooke Humphrey added five kills. Dotson paced the Eagles with nine assists. Caylie Apperson led the team with two blocks. Childs led Ozarks defensively with eight digs. Madison Widmayer recorded six digs. As a team, Ozarks finished with 22 kills, five aces, two blocks, 18 assists and 28 digs.
The Eagles will take on St. Thomas, Concordia and Texas Lutheran in conference play October 2-3 in Texas.
