PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Golden Suns continued their win streak against the Truman State Bulldogs with a sweep. The same energy was approached for their game against the Pittsburg State Gorillas, but fell 1-3.
TRUMAN STATE
This match allowed the Suns to go 3-0 in the Gorilla Classic.
Tech started off strong in set one and scored the first two points by a block from Karlly Dillard and Henley Hooks, then a kill by Savannah Meyer. Truman came back to tie the set 2-2, and the score went back-and-forth and left the teams within a two-point gap. The Suns answered back and went on a four-point run to bring the score to 11-6. The Bulldogs scored two more points before the Suns brought the full power and went on an eight-point run. Once it hit 19-8, Truman gained some traction, but Tech ultimately finished the set 25-16.
A kill from Henley Hooks allowed the Suns to gain their first point in set two. Truman was able to get some footage and lead 2-1, but Tech stopped their track and caught the lead at 4-2. The score stayed consistently in a two-point range once more, but multiple errors by Truman, a kill by BryAnna Young and service aces by Ashtyn Werth helped the Suns go on a seven-point run to take the score 12-5. Scoring remained steady on both teams and eventually led the Suns taking the set 25-15.
Both teams brought the energy to make set three a close scoring set. The score was maintained in a two-point range until a kill by Erika Hernandez boosted the Suns to a three-point run. Tech led 10-6 and stayed in the lead for the rest of the set. They jumped far ahead mid-set taking the score 17-10 after some Truman errors, but Tech bounced off the momentum and took set three 25-18.
Tech had three Golden Suns split the lead for total kills with eight apiece: Henley Hooks, Savannah Meyer and Sammie Smith. Kenzie Garrett led again in assists at 18, following right behind is Kylie Lambert at 13. Savannah Meyer was also the team leader for digs totaling 11.
PITTSBURG STATE
Golden Suns fall to Pittsburg State forcing Tech to lose a sweep streak at the Gorilla Classic.
Once both teams tied at 1-1 in set one, the Suns pushed to lead all the way to 6-2. The score gap eventually closed off when Pittsburg State caught up and tied the set 9-9. From there, the Gorillas took the lead, made a nine-point gap and almost reached set-point at 24-15. The Golden Suns jumped in and gained five extra points, but were unable to take the set. Gorillas earned set one 25-20.
Set two maintained a steady scoring until Tech grabbed the lead 3-2. A kill from Henley Hooks allowed the Suns to take off and create a ten-point difference at 13-3. The score went to-and-fro, eventually the Gorillas went on an eight-point run to catch up. Closing off the gap at 18-13, the Suns were able to answer back by widening the score gap to 24-15. Just like set one, the Gorillas gained five more points, but a final kill by Erika Hernandez gave the Suns set two 25-20.
The momentum brought into set three allowed the Suns to have a steady lead. But by 4-4, the Gorillas caught up and made a score gap up to seven-points. The Suns caught up and shrunk the gap by two-points making it 19-17. BryAnna Young had a kill to push the Suns up to 18-points, however the Gorillas were able to push and take set three 25-18.
Gorillas were able to surpass the Suns through set four and created up to a ten-point difference. Pittsburg State led 19-9, though Tech was able to push forth including multiple kills from Henley Hooks and Savannah Meyer, they fell at 25-15.
Henley Hooks led in kills for the match totaling 13, briefly after Savannah Meyer at 9. Kenzie Garrett and Kylie Lambert split time as setter - Garrett totals 18 and Lambert at 14. Karis Brinlee as libero had 12 total digs.
UP NEXT
The Golden Suns approach their home opener against Henderson State in Tucker Coliseum on Tuesday, September 7 at 6 p.m. There are no tickets required to attend. There will be live video and live stats for the match. Video coverage is pay-per-view through The GAC Sports Network. Links for stats and video are available at www.ArkansasTechSports.com/coverage
