BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — Oklahoma Wesleyan University Volleyball delivered a strong all-around performance Wednesday morning, using an efficient offensive attack and a balanced defensive effort to defeat Evangel University in four sets, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, inside the Mueller Sports Center.

The Lady Eagles set the tone early and never allowed a third-set setback to derail their momentum. OKWU finished the match with 63 kills on a .277 hitting percentage, committing just 14 attacking errors across four sets. The Lady Eagles also held the advantage in kills, assists, digs, service aces and blocks.

Oklahoma Wesleyan came out swinging in the opening frame, putting down 14 kills while hitting .294 as a team. The Lady Eagles' offensive efficiency, coupled with their ability to limit Evangel to a .143 attacking percentage, helped OKWU secure the first set, 25-21.

The second set developed into a tighter battle as Evangel increased its offensive pressure. The Valor recorded 18 kills in the frame, but the Lady Eagles remained composed in the closing points. OKWU continued to side out when needed and found enough offensive production to edge Evangel, 25-23, and take a commanding 2-0 advantage in the match.

Evangel avoided the sweep with a 25-22 decision in the third set, despite another efficient offensive frame from Oklahoma Wesleyan. The Lady Eagles registered 16 kills and hit .316 in the set, but the Valor was able to extend the match.

OKWU responded emphatically.

With an opportunity to close the door in the fourth, the Lady Eagles turned in their best offensive set of the match. Oklahoma Wesleyan hammered down 19 kills with only three attacking errors, producing a .320 hitting percentage. The Lady Eagles also tightened up defensively, holding Evangel to a .104 clip before putting away the Valor, 25-16, to seal the 3-1 victory.

Leading the charge at the pin was Maria Andrea Santa Cruz Cossich, who delivered a match-high 26 kills. Santa Cruz Cossich also contributed 15 digs, giving the Lady Eagles a productive two-way performance on both sides of the net.

Maia Rubio provided another major offensive weapon, finishing with 15 kills while adding 16 digs and three blocks. Emma Stubbs rounded out a potent OKWU attack with 13 kills, giving the Lady Eagles three attackers in double figures.

Running the offense was Jaylea Laughlin, who distributed 49 assists as OKWU totaled 61 assists on its 63 kills. Laughlin's ability to consistently put her hitters in position allowed the Lady Eagles to maintain offensive balance and attack Evangel from multiple spots along the net.

The back row was equally important in the victory. Maria Luisa Caycedo anchored the floor defense with a team-high 22 digs while also delivering both of OKWU's service aces. Rubio added 16 digs and Santa Cruz Cossich collected 15 as the Lady Eagles finished with 88 digs, keeping rallies alive and creating transition opportunities throughout the match.

At the net, Rubio and Anja Grkinic each had a hand in three blocks as Oklahoma Wesleyan finished with five team blocks compared with two for Evangel.

The numbers reflected OKWU's complete performance. The Lady Eagles out-killed Evangel 63-55, out-assisted the Valor 61-49 and held a 70-58 advantage in total points. Most importantly, Oklahoma Wesleyan's attack was considerably cleaner, hitting .277 compared with Evangel's .172.

After Evangel extended the match in the third set, the Lady Eagles showed their ability to reset and respond, dominating the fourth frame to put the match away on their home floor.

With efficient swings, disciplined defense and contributions throughout the rotation, OKWU controlled the net when it mattered most and finished the morning with a statement four-set victory.