WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (10-4, 4-2 Lone Star) edged out Oklahoma Christian (10-5, 2-3 Lone Star) in a tense five-set match on Friday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum, winning 25-14, 25-22, 23-25, 24-26, 15-13. This victory not only snapped a two-game skid for the Mustangs but also improved their impressive home record to 6-0.
The Mustangs clinched the victory with a strong defensive showing, recording 118 digs to the Lady Eagles' 116.
Midwestern State set the tone early in the first set, capitalizing on a fast start with
Isabella Dickens delivering a kill off an assist from
Alayna Guerrero.
Jenna Redding's service ace and a series of attack errors from OC extended the home team's lead to 4-0. The Mustangs continued to build momentum with
Demi Stauffenberg adding another service ace, pushing the score to 8-1. Despite a brief response from the Lady Eagles, featuring a kill by Katy Geurin, MSU maintained control with disciplined plays, highlighted by Guerrero's effective setting and timely kills by
Trinity Vinzant. The set closed with the Maroon & Gold firmly in command, as
Arrianna Fields secured back-to-back kills to clinch the set at 25-14.
The Mustangs began the second set with momentum, capitalizing on attack errors by the Lady Eagles to even the score early at 3-3. A notable contribution came from Dickens with multiple kills, supported by Guerrero's setting, allowing MSU to keep pace. The set remained closely contested, with Vinzant and Fields delivering key kills to maintain a narrow lead. Despite brief surges from OC, MSU countered effectively, with Stauffenberg and
Jaiden Wright contributing to defensive efforts that stalled the opponent's advances. As the set progressed, the Maroon & Gold maintained control through a combination of strategic kills and forced errors from OC. Fields and Dickens were instrumental in extending the lead, and a final kill by Vinzant sealed the set at 25-22, giving MSU a crucial advantage.
In the third set, the Mustangs established early momentum with a series of decisive plays, starting with a kill from Dickens, assisted by Guerrero, to score the first point. Guerrero continued to facilitate the offense effectively, contributing to kills by Wright and Vinzant, which helped maintain a slight lead at 8-5. MSU's defense also stood firm, with Dickens and Guerrero combining for a critical block that caused an opponent attack error. Despite a strong start, the Maroon & Gold faced a resilient opponent in the Lady Eagles. As the set progressed, OC capitalized on errors to slowly close the gap and eventually take the lead at 16-15. A late rally by MSU, including a series of kills by Fields and a service error by OC, brought the score to a tense 24-23. However, a service error by Guerrero allowed OC to secure the set at 25-23.
In the fourth set, MSU faced a challenging start with OC pulling ahead 7-4. However, Dickens sparked a rally, scoring with three consecutive kills, narrowing the gap to 9-9. Despite this effort, OC regrouped, regaining a four-point advantage at 14-10. The Mustangs continued to fight back, with Vinzant and Fields registering critical kills to close the gap to 20-19. As the set reached its climax, Stauffenberg delivered a series of impactful plays, tying the score at 24-24. However, an attack error and a final kill by Lauren Cary for OC sealed the set 26-24.
The fifth set began with MSU facing an early deficit as OC jumped to a 4-0 lead, capitalizing on attack errors and a kill by Camryn McGough. Guerrero's kill from Vinzant got the Mustangs on the board, sparking a gradual comeback. MSU found momentum with key plays from Wright and Fields, closing the gap to 11-11 with a service ace by Redding. From there, Stauffenberg's kill tied the match, and subsequent errors by OC's Kenzy McArtor allowed the Mustangs to pull ahead. Despite a brief push by OC, MSU secured the set 15-13, finishing with a crucial attack error by Cary. This decisive set gave Maroon & Gold the overall match victory and a 5-4 lead in the all-time series against Oklahoma Christian, after losing the two previous meetings.
Vinzant contributed to the defensive effort with 16 digs and added 12 kills over five sets. Fields led the team offensively, tallying 17 kills and contributing four digs. Guerrero facilitated the offense with 60 assists and supported the back row with 19 digs. Redding made a strong defensive impact, collecting 29 digs and serving three aces.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face off against Cameron on Saturday, Oct. 11. The match is set for 2 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
