Kellie Kozak and
Brenna Daniel posted season-high statistics to help Wayland Baptist to a dominating 25-11, 25-10, 25-15 Sooner Athletic Conference victory over Central Christian (Kan.)Â
on Friday night at Hutcherson Center.
"This was a match where we could work on technique and see if we're improving on skills we've been focusing on," Wayland coach
Jim Giacomazzi said.
For the most part, they did, especially Kozak and Daniel.
Kozak, a junior, finished with a career-high 17 kills while hitting .424 while Daniel, a freshman, recorded a season-best 18 digs and four aces.
"Brenna was a little digging machine," said Giacomazzi, adding that Kozak's kills number "is about what we expect out of our middle."
The Pioneers (11-14, 6-7 SAC), who defeated the Tigers in McPherson, Kan., in the first half of conference play 25-7, 25-11, 25-11, were boosted by the unexpected return of left-side
Tatijana Markic, who returned after missing the last five matches.Â
"I was pleased Tatijana was able to play, and we got Cheyenne (Gruben) back. She hasn't played since the first weekend" of the season.
Markic finished with eight kills, while
Lucie Mahelova got seven.
"Several players did better on their blocking, which is something we've been talking about," Giacomazzi said.
Renzelle Horner finished with 33 assists. "That's an average of 11 per set, which is really good for her," Giacomazzi said.
The Tigers (4-21, 0-13) hit -.020.
"I was pleased the way our defense moved," Giacomazzi said. "We're starting to figure out who needs to play where on defense."
Wayland now will try to put back-to-back wins together for the first time since they played Central Christian and Langston to open conference play in mid-September. The Pioneers host LangstonÂ
at 11 a.m. Saturday. The Lady Lions (5-19, 2-11 SAC) fell at Oklahoma-Panhandle State on Friday, 16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-6.
"They're a scary team," Giacomazzi said of Langston. "They're athletic and have good blockers."
Wayland defeated the Lions in Langston, 25-22, 25-14, 25-27, 25-15.
Â
