ALVA, Okla. – The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns took the top spot in the Great American Conference standings on Friday, after defeating the Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers, 3-1 (20-15, 20-25, 25-15, 25-19). McCall Wilkins tied a season-high with 15 kills in the victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Golden Suns (15-7, 7-1 GAC) dominated the first game with a .344 attack percentage. Tech also held Northwestern to hit just .074 with five kills.
• Northwestern (3-20, 1-7 GAC) responded with a 20-kill second set with zero attack errors to tie the match at one set apiece.
• The third set featured nine ties and five lead changes until a 6-0 run put the Golden Suns ahead, 17-11. Tech then ended the game with seven consecutive points.
• The Golden Suns held the Rangers to hit a match low -.200 in the third set, allowing Tech to take a 2-1 lead.
• Tech opened the final set on a 7-0 run and never let Northwestern pull within five points.

 
NOTABLES

• With the victory, Tech breaks a tie with Oklahoma Baptist for first in the GAC. The Golden Suns are also riding the longest win streak in the conference at seven matches.
• Wilkins' 15 kills came with just one attack error, giving her a season-high .609 attack percentage. She also added two solo blocks.
• Hunter Eshnaur finished with 12 kills for the Golden Suns to go along with a career-high 21 digs.
• Amanda Milnick assisted on 26 kills while tallying 13 digs, and Sarah Rosinke recorded 17 assists.

 
COACH BAYER SAYS

• "We played excellent offensively tonight. We slipped up defensively in the second set but roared back with intensity and tenacity in the last two sets."
• "Our left back defenders, Hunter Eshnaur and Matti Dix, were outstanding tonight. They read well and were under control."
• "Our serve receive had another strong night. We have been able to run our offense well because of that."

 
NEXT UP

• The Golden Suns remain in Oklahoma for the weekend, traveling to Weatherford for a Saturday match against Southwestern Oklahoma State. The GAC contest is scheduled for 2 p.m.