Springfield, MO—
April 1st Oklahoma Wesleyan stepped onto the sand against Division I Missouri State, ready to compete despite the odds. With strong wind gusts making play unpredictable, both teams had to adjust their game.
The match opened with Angelina Arvizu and Natalie Ater battling Olivia Rattler and Erin Eschleman at Flight No. 5. The tough conditions didn't help, and Missouri State took the win, 21-7, 21-12.
At Flight No. 4, Valeria Perez and Kaytlin Sowards put up a strong effort, keeping it competitive before dropping the match, 21-12, 21-14, to Rylie Cepicky and Manuela Niemeyer.
Claira Warren and Emma Stubbs fought hard but couldn't overcome Morgan Sprague and Maddie Schrandt, falling 21-5, 21-11, at Flight No. 3.
Jordan Isbell and Avery Forman faced MacKenzie Steele and Amanda Cleary at Flight No. 2, working through the wind to stay in the fight. Despite their best efforts, Missouri State controlled the match, winning 21-8, 21-12.
At Flight No. 1 Allison Howard and Maddy McKinney pushed Becca Bach and Allyson Larkin in a tight first set but fell, 21-18. In the second set, Missouri State closed it out, 21-13.
Despite the 5-0 sweep by Missouri State, Oklahoma Wesleyan put up a strong showing against a tough D1 opponent in challenging conditions. The team showed resilience and will take this experience into their next match, ready to build on their performance.
