HILLSBORO, Kan. — Oklahoma Wesleyan University Volleyball responded to an early setback with three consecutive set victories Saturday, rallying past Tabor College in four sets, 15-25, 25-21, 25-18, 25-10, inside Tabor College Gymnasium. The victory improved the Lady Eagles to 9-12 overall.
Oklahoma Wesleyan struggled to establish its offensive rhythm in the opening frame as Tabor controlled the net and took advantage of eight OKWU attacking errors. The Lady Eagles were held to a -.065 hitting percentage in the first set while the Bluejays hit .364, allowing the hosts to take the opener, 25-15.
The Lady Eagles quickly flipped the momentum in the second set. OKWU's attack came alive with 19 kills on a .311 hitting percentage, finding openings in the Tabor block and converting in transition. The improved offensive efficiency helped Oklahoma Wesleyan even the match with a 25-21 victory and shifted control of the contest toward the Eagles' side of the net.
OKWU continued to apply pressure in the third. The Lady Eagles limited Tabor to a .083 hitting percentage while maintaining a balanced attack of their own. Strong defensive work in the back row allowed OKWU to extend rallies and create additional transition opportunities, resulting in a 25-18 third-set win and a 2-1 advantage in the match.
With the opportunity to close out the match, the Lady Eagles delivered their most dominant set of the afternoon. Oklahoma Wesleyan held Tabor to a -.083 hitting percentage in the fourth while forcing eight Bluejay attacking errors. OKWU pulled away for a convincing 25-10 victory to complete the four-set comeback.
Maia Rubio powered the Oklahoma Wesleyan attack with a match-high 15 kills, hitting .267 while also recording 15 digs for a double-double. Maria Andrea Santa Cruz Cossich added 11 kills, while Anja Grkinic provided a strong presence at the net with eight kills and a match-high six total blocks, including two solo stuffs.
Setter Ana Vitoria Vian directed the offense with 28 assists and added two block assists, while the Lady Eagles' back-row defense produced several strong performances. Maria Luisa Caycedo collected 14 digs and Anneliese Schonauer finished with 13 digs and a team-high two service aces.
As a team, Oklahoma Wesleyan finished with a 47-32 advantage in kills, a 38-31 edge in assists, and a 66-60 advantage in digs. The Lady Eagles also served five aces compared with one for Tabor and hit .193 for the match while holding the Bluejays to .100. Both teams finished with seven total blocks.
After dropping the opening set, the Lady Eagles showed composure and made the necessary adjustments on both sides of the ball. Improved serve-receive, more efficient swings and consistent defensive pressure allowed OKWU to seize momentum and finish the match with three straight set victories, including a commanding final frame.
