Lady Cats Volleyball Splits Competitive Road Trip Matches
The College of the Ozarks (C of O) Lady Cats Volleyball team recently navigated a demanding back-to-back conference road trip, splitting their matches against formidable opponents. After facing a tough defeat against the Oklahoma City University Stars, the Lady Cats showcased their resilience with a dominant performance, securing a clean sweep against Southwestern Christian University. This weekend of play highlighted both the challenges and the potential of the Lady Cats as they prepare for postseason competition.
Battle in Oklahoma City: A Tough Match Against the Stars
On Friday, October 31st, the Lady Cats kicked off their road trip in Oklahoma City against the Oklahoma City University Stars. Despite opening with strong energy, the Lady Cats ultimately fell to the home team in a 3-0 decision. The first set was closely contested, with C of O battling point-for-point before the Stars pulled ahead to win 25-20. Oklahoma City University maintained their momentum in the second set, securing it 25-16, and closed out the match with a 25-15 victory in the third.
Despite the loss, several Lady Cats delivered notable performances. Bri Linehan led the offense with eight kills, while Christa Duffel and Anna Brunner each added five kills. Brunner also fortified the defense at the net with four blocks. In the backcourt, Anna Howe recorded 11 digs and served two aces, with Audrey Riley contributing eight digs. Katie Hilton also chipped in with an ace. Playmakers Audrey Riley and Kamryn Link combined for 20 assists, supported by Emma Godwin and Gabby Bozzay. This match brought the Lady Cats’ overall record to 14-11 and their conference record to 8-10.
Dominant Rebound: Sweeping Southwestern Christian University
Determined to bounce back, the Lady Cats traveled to Bethany, OK, the following day, November 1st, to face Southwestern Christian University. They delivered a commanding 3-0 sweep, demonstrating their ability to quickly rebound from a challenging defeat. The opening set was a close fight, but C of O surged ahead late to win 25-22. Building on this momentum, they controlled the second set 25-17 and sealed the match with a 25-21 victory in the third.
The offense truly came alive in this match, with Bri Linehan once again leading the attack with 10 kills. Kalli Noell followed closely with nine kills, and Anna Brunner contributed eight kills along with a solid six blocks to anchor the defense. Defensively, Emma Godwin tallied an impressive 20 digs, Anna Howe added 17 digs and three aces, and Gabby Bozzay contributed nine digs. The Lady Cats were sharp from the service line, with Howe and Audrey Riley each recording three aces, and Katie Hilton adding one. Audrey Riley directed the playmaking with 20 assists, while Kamryn Link added 16 assists.
Key Player Standouts Across the Road Trip
The two matches highlighted the consistent efforts of several Lady Cats. Bri Linehan proved to be a reliable offensive force, leading in kills in both games. Anna Brunner was a versatile player, contributing significantly to both offense and defense with her kills and blocks. On the defensive end, Anna Howe was exceptional, leading the team in digs and serving multiple aces over the weekend, showcasing her all-around impact.
What’s Next: Looking Towards Postseason
This crucial victory against Southwestern Christian University improved the Lady Cats’ overall record to 15-11. With their conference matchups concluded, the team now sets its sights on postseason competition, aiming to carry their momentum forward and make a strong run.
Weekend Road Trip Overview
| Opponent | Result | Key Offensive Leader | Key Defensive Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City University Stars | L (0-3) | Bri Linehan (8 kills) | Anna Howe (11 digs) |
| Southwestern Christian University | W (3-0) | Bri Linehan (10 kills) | Emma Godwin (20 digs) |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What were the outcomes of the Lady Cats’ recent road trip games?
The Lady Cats split their two conference matches, losing 3-0 to Oklahoma City University Stars and winning 3-0 against Southwestern Christian University. - Who did the Lady Cats play in Oklahoma City?
They played against the Oklahoma City University Stars on October 31st. - What was the final score against Oklahoma City University?
The Lady Cats lost to Oklahoma City University 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-15). - Which players stood out for the Lady Cats?
Bri Linehan led the offense in both matches, while Anna Brunner contributed with kills and blocks. Anna Howe and Emma Godwin were strong defensive presences with numerous digs. - What is the Lady Cats’ record after these games?
Their overall record improved to 15-11.
As the College of the Ozarks Lady Cats pivot towards postseason play, their ability to learn from a tough loss and immediately respond with a dominant win bodes well for their upcoming challenges. Keep an eye on this team as they strive for success in the next phase of their season.
Lady Cats Volleyball Splits Road Trip Matches
