OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- The John Brown University volleyball team's five match winning streak ground to a halt as host Oklahoma City limited the Golden Eagles to an .055 (30-23-128) attacking percentage in a 25-21, 25-14, 25-15 setback on Friday night (Oct. 27) inside Abe Lemons Arena.
While balanced, the John Brown (21-6, 10-3 Sooner Athletic) offense could not find its way consistently around the City blocking effort as the hosts posted 18 rejections, keeping the Golden Eagles to a .098 attack in the first set, JBU's highest of the match.
After the Golden Eagles besting City in five in the squads' first matchup, the Stars (18-6, 13-1) continued its 13-match winning streak since JBU's conference-opening win over OCU.
Sophomore Jessica Meyer hit .150 to lead the JBU offense with eight kills (8-5-20) while junior Bayli Reagan added 11 digs and a pair of service aces to a seven-kill effort (7-4-31). Sophomore Lindsey Davis added six terminations (6-5-21) in the loss.
Senior Alyssa Arnold captured a double-double by totaling 24 assists on 31 JBU kills and notching 13 scoops, a team-high. Senior Beth Brankle added 12 digs and a pair of helpers.
As usual, the Stars were led by Marijana Bjelobrk (15-2-30) and Stefani Nell (13-5-33), as the duo compiled 15 and 13 kills, respectively, leading City to a .254 attack on the evening. Nell completed the double-double with 13 digs while Holly Randall led the impressive blocking effort with five rejections.
Two major swings played key roles in the first set. Facing an 11-7 hole, the Golden Eagles used three City errors and a Reagan ace to pull ahead 12-11. The hosts responded, however, responded with a 6-0 rally to take a commanding 17-12 lead. Three consecutive kills from Meyer pulled JBU back to within two, 20-18, but the Stars closed out the set, securing five of the final eight points.
JBU will continue on its road swing to McPherson, Kan., to face Central Christian tomorrow at 1 p.m. before taking on McPherson (Kan.) immediately after at 3 p.m.
