SHAWNEE, Okla. – Golden Suns fought in four tough sets against the Bison but fell short 3-1. Tech is now tied with Harding, Southern Nazarene and Southeastern Oklahoma at fourth in the GAC with a 4-3 conference record.
Set one started slowly to where the point difference was no larger than two. A service error by the Suns allowed the Bison to take off on a four-point streak and led 9-4. The Bison were the first to hit 20 points and created up to a seven-point gap. Many points earned by the Suns were attacks by Savannah Meyer thereafter, but the Bison halted them and took set one 25-18.
The Suns took an early lead in set two after some offensive errors by the Bison; but the Suns remained strong offensively, as well. Both teams kept the score toe-to-toe and ended up tying the score at 20-20. Attacks by Madison Crum and Meyer, and an attack error by the Bison, helped the Suns go on a three-point run and they led 23-20. The Suns' defense was tripped and the Bison finished off set two with a five-point streak and took it 25-23.
By set three, the score toggled back-and-forth until the Bison led 6-4. They continued to lead until 10-8 when the Suns swooped in to go on a four-point run themselves to lead 12-10. Juliana Borchers, Hooks and Meyer racked up their attacks to increase the score gap all the way to 16-11. The Suns hit 20 points first and led 20-17; they pushed back the Bison from scoring much more and were able to earn set three 25-20.
Offensively, the Suns' highest attack percentage was earned in set three averaging .433. They totaled 15 kills, 30 total attacks and two errors.
The Bison took the momentum to get through set four. After going on a six-point run with a strong offense, they led 8-3. The Suns were stumped by the Bison through mid-set but were able to catch up and tied the score at 17. They closed off the score gap by 21-20 while the Bison still led, but did not manage to pause the Bison to score. Oklahoma Baptist won the set 25-21.
The tough battle allowed two Golden Suns to earn a double-double and lead in the respective areas of kills and digs. Savannah Meyer led in kills totaling 16 and earned 12 digs. Henley Hooks led in digs totaling 17 and earned 13 kills. Kenzie Garret was the primary setter for the match and earned 47 assists.
UP NEXT
The Golden Suns are back home in Tucker Coliseum to face the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs on Thursday, October 8. First serve is set at 6 p.m.
