GUNNISON, Colo. – SWOSU Volleyball wrapped up its time in Colorado by splitting the final day of the Western Colorado Invitational.
The Bulldogs will now travel to Kansas as they prepare for the Gorilla Classic, which will take place from September 2-4. They will kick off the week against Missouri Southern before facing Truman State, host Pittsburg State, and William Jewell.
SWOSU vs New Mexico Highlands
W, 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-16)
The Dawgs opened the day with a sweep over the Cowgirls, allowing fewer points in each set as the match went on.
In the opening set, the Dawgs were all knotted up with New Mexico Highlands at 19 before taking six of the next seven points to secure the opener. In the second, a 10-3 run created the separation needed for a comfortable 25-17 win and a 2-0 lead. SWOSU closed out the match with ease, winning the final four points en route to a 25-16 set victory.
Four Dawgs broke into double figures in kills in the morning match, with Jenna Houk leading the way with 13. Layla Collins (12), Sydnee Winfrey (12), and Katja Blanchat (10) all had big days, with Blanchat continuing her efficient start to the season. With her 10 kills, she committed just one error, leading to a .500 hitting percentage.
Mackenzie Sims dished out 40 assists, tied for her most in a three-set match in her career. Jada Permenter totaled 21 digs, her second most in a three-set match in her four years as a Dawg.
SWOSU vs Lubbock Christian
L, 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 29-27)
Despite the three-set loss, this match was extremely competitive from start to finish, with two of the three sets requiring bonus volleyball to determine the winner.
SWOSU held as much as a four-point lead midway through the first set, but a run by the Lady Chaparrals brought them back ahead 24-22. The Dawgs survived two set points but eventually fell 26-24. LCU maintained control through the second set, taking a lead after the Chaps grabbed an 11-10 advantage midway through the frame.
The third was a back-and-forth affair, with the Dawgs holding multiple leads throughout. Early leads of 6-2 and 13-10 had the Bulldogs on top before LCU found its footing, going on an 8-2 run to build a lead of its own at 18-15. For the first time in the match, SWOSU held set point opportunities at 26-25 and 27-26 before LCU rattled off three straight points to end the comeback bid.
Jenna Houk had a team-high 12 kills, Jada Permenter collected 12 digs, with Willow Deckinger right behind her with 11, and Mackenzie Sims secured her third straight double-double with 31 assists and 10 digs.
