OKLAHOMA CITY -- In a marathon Sooner Athletic Conference showdown on Friday afternoon, the Wayland Baptist volleyball team came up just short in a five-set thriller against Oklahoma City University, falling 3–2 (20–25, 22–25, 25–23, 25–23, 7–15).
After dropping the first two sets, the Pioneers showed their trademark grit by storming back to win the next two, forcing a decisive fifth frame. However, Oklahoma City regained momentum late to seal the match.
Junior outside hitter
Deniz Yileri led Wayland's offensive attack with 17 kills, adding 21 digs and a team-high 18.5 points for another all-around performance.
Fade Ogunbade followed with 12 kills and six digs, while
Emma Scott hit efficiently with eight kills on a .240 clip.
Setter
Martyna Lewinska ran the offense with 45 assists to go along with three service aces and 12 digs.
Rachel Russell anchored the back row with a match-high 18 digs, and
Averi Penner added six kills and 14 digs.
Despite a strong defensive showing with 89 total digs and 12 team blocks, the Pioneers were edged out by an OCU squad that hit .238 for the match and got a dominant 26-kill outing from Grace Smallwood.
Wayland's late-set composure stood out, especially in the third and fourth sets, where the Pioneers rallied to win close 25–23 decisions. However, the Stars' hot start in the fifth proved too much to overcome.
The loss drops Wayland Baptist to 10–9 overall and 9–6 in SAC play, while Oklahoma City improves to 11–10 and 8–7 in conference action.
The Pioneers return to the on Saturday, October 18
th when they take on the Eagles of Southwestern Christian University. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM in Bethany, Oklahoma.
