BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The Oklahoma Wesleyan University women's volleyball team returned to the Mueller Sports Center for a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) showdown against McPherson College, falling in straight sets (14-25, 15-25, 14-25) despite several individual performances from the Lady Eagles.
Facing a McPherson squad that entered the contest with an impressive 18-2 overall record, Oklahoma Wesleyan looked to establish its offensive rhythm and generate momentum through its attack. The Bulldogs, however, capitalized on efficient hitting and consistent offensive execution to secure the three-set victory.
The Lady Eagles opened the match looking to establish their presence at the net, recording 10 kills in the first set while hitting at a .207 clip. McPherson countered with an aggressive offensive attack, posting 17 kills and a .433 hitting percentage to claim the opening frame, 25-14.
Oklahoma Wesleyan continued battling in the second set, working to find offensive opportunities through its setters and outside hitters. Despite the Eagles' efforts to sustain rallies and generate scoring chances, McPherson maintained its efficiency at the net, taking the second frame 25-15.
In the third set, the Lady Eagles continued to compete, recording another 10 kills and improving their offensive production from the previous frame. However, McPherson's consistent attacking and defensive execution proved difficult to overcome, as the Bulldogs closed out the match with a 25-14 victory.
Maria Andrea Santa Cruz Cossich led the Oklahoma Wesleyan offense, delivering a team-high 13 kills to provide a consistent attacking presence. Maia Rubio followed with eight kills while contributing seven digs, showcasing her versatility on both sides of the ball. Emma Stubbs added four kills and two blocks to help anchor the Eagles' front-row efforts.
In the setting department, Jaylea Laughlin directed the offense with a team-high 16 assists, while Ana Vitoria Vian contributed six assists to help facilitate the Eagles' offensive opportunities.
Defensively, Rubio and Maria Luisa Caycedo paced Oklahoma Wesleyan with seven digs apiece, working to keep rallies alive against McPherson's aggressive attack. At the net, Stubbs and Kaelyn McLean each recorded two blocks, while Iva Mrkaic contributed two service aces to highlight the Eagles' efforts from the service line.
As a team, Oklahoma Wesleyan finished with 28 kills, 26 assists, 27 digs, and three total blocks. McPherson finished with 47 kills and a .443 hitting percentage, using its offensive efficiency to control the match.
Despite the setback, the Lady Eagles will look to regroup and build on their offensive production as they continue navigating the KCAC schedule. Oklahoma Wesleyan will remain at home for its next conference matchup against the University of Saint Mary on Wednesday, October 14, at the Mueller Sports Center.
