Oklahoma Panhandle State University

On Thursday, OPSU faced a very good team that is challenging for the Heartland title — the Cardinals of the University of the Incarnate Word. The Cardinals won in straight sets (25-17, 25-14, and 25-15). Meredith Powell (an All-Conference performer last year) paced OPSU with 11 kills while Cheryl Coldwell and Josey Peterson each came up with five digs. With their match victory, the Cardinals lifted their season record to 19-8.

On Saturday, the Rattlers from St. Mary’s University were in town and won the match 3-1 after four very hard fought sets with fine athleticism from both teams. In the first set, it was touch and go all the way before the Rattlers pulled away at the very end for a 25-21 win. In the second set, things were tied at 21-21 but OPSU stood tall and earned a 25-23 victory.

The Rattlers won the third and fourth sets, 25-14 and 25-19, respectively. In the match, Powell again led the way with eight kills, and teammates Karyssa Bowron and Breanna Drayer each were credited with seven kills. Bowron was also credited with 15 digs.

With their match win, the Rattlers raised their season record to 6-19 while OPSU dropped to 1-22.

OPSU will play their final two home matches this coming Friday and Saturday against another Heartland rival – Newman University. The Friday contest is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. and is part of the nationwide "Dig Pink" program, in recognition of breast cancer research. For the Saturday match, the first serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.