RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – SWOSU Volleyball twice answered a set loss to extend Thursday night's road match at Arkansas Tech to a deciding fifth frame before coming up just short in a 3-2 defeat.
The Bulldogs (12-8, 5-3 GAC) received double-digit kills from four players in the balanced effort. SWOSU committed 10 service errors, while Arkansas Tech finished with a .271 hitting percentage - the second highest by a Bulldog opponent in a conference match this season and fourth highest overall.
Arkansas Tech claimed the opening set 25-20 behind 20 kills and a .356 hitting percentage, but SWOSU responded with one of its strongest offensive stretches of the night. The Bulldogs opened the second with a 3-0 run, never trailed and closed on a 9-3 surge to even the match with a 25-19 win. SWOSU hit .343 in the frame while holding Tech to .091.
The Golden Suns regained the advantage by taking the third set 25-16, but the Bulldogs answered again. SWOSU jumped ahead 10-4 in the fourth and maintained its lead despite a late Tech push. Layla Collins supplied six kills in the set, including the clincher in a 25-22 win that forced a fifth.
The deciding frame featured four ties and three lead changes. SWOSU erased an early deficit and moved ahead 10-9 on an ace from Mackenzie Sims before Arkansas Tech responded with four consecutive points.
Later in the set, the Bulldogs appeared to pull within 13-12 before a replay review reversed the point and changed the score to 14-11. SWOSU extended the match with a kill on the following rally before Tech closed out the 15-12 decision.
Collins led the Bulldogs with 16 kills and hit .341, while Katja Blanchat added 14 kills on a team-best .448 hitting percentage. Jenna Houk and Sydnee Winfrey each finished with 11 kills to complete SWOSU's group of four in double figures.
Sims recorded 46 assists, 12 digs and two aces. Houk also posted a double-double with 12 digs, while Jada Permenter led the Bulldogs with 23 digs. SWOSU hit .225 as a team and finished with 59 kills, five aces and six blocks.
The Bulldogs face a quick turnaround Friday with a 4 p.m. conference match at Harding.
