Oklahoma City University Athletics

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City took its winning streak on the road for a postseason test and came away with 3-2 win at Mid-America Christian in the Sooner Athletic Conference Volleyball Quarterfinals on Tuesday.
 
The Stars battled to a 16-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-18, 16-14 victory, overcoming a sluggish start, a 2-1 deficit and a raucous crowd in Gaulke Activity Center.
 
"It was a very hostile environment for a young team and to pull out a win like that; I have never been more proud," said OCU Head Coach Kristen Coventon. "We knew it was going to be tough and the next game is not going to   easier."
 
The next game is Friday in the semifinal site against second-seeded and host Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth. TWU made quick work of College of the Ozarks on Friday, 3-0.
 
Grace Smallwood and Kaylie Marshall were a strong attacking duo with 17 and 16 kills, respectively. Natalie Adams had 44 assists and five aces. Ryan Leland added three aces.
 
OCU was strong defensively with five blocks each from Adams and Marina Kalajdzic and four from Maddie Edwards. Four Stars cleaned things up with double-figure digs, led by Smallwood with 24. Adams and Marshall had 15 digs each and Kate Cleofe added 14.
 
After a dismal first set, the Stars zoomed out to a 7-1 lead in the second with Adams getting two aces in the spree. MACU was able to take a 19-18 lead by two kills by Marshall and an ace by Leland put the Stars ahead 22-19. Smallwood ended the set with a kill.
 
MACU took the third set but couldn't carry forward any momentum. OCU got out to a 5-1 lead and led by as many as 10 points in the set before getting the win to force the fifth set.
 
The Evangels led 13-12 but OCU scored four of the next five points to get the victory. Erin Mack and Smallwood started the victory run with kills and Marshall crushed the rebellion with a kill for match point.
 
 The Stars go to Texas with a 17-12 record. MACU ended its season at 18-12.