OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- In a thrilling five-set battle (25-20, 27-25, 15-25, 25-20, 15-12), standout performances from seniors Savanna Riney and Erin Mullins helped lead the John Brown University volleyball team past Mid-America Christian (Okla.) on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 26) inside the Gaulke Activity Center.
Riney spearheaded the Golden Eagle (12-14, 11-7 Sooner Athletic) offense with 18 kills and a .250 hitting efficiency, while Mullins hit 12 kills (.300) from the middle and racked up five blocks. Senior Taylor Golmen added a dozen terminations at .308 (12-4-26), rounding out JBU's front row attack. Freshman Tessa Burton contributed 21 assists and three aces, while senior Julie Milligan anchored the defense with 24 digs and three aces. Junior Emma DeSanti kept the offense flowing with an additional 22 assists.
On the defensive side, the Golden Eagles posted a strong blocking game with 7.5 total blocks, led by Mullins' five rejections, which helped stifle MACU's offensive runs. Junior Ella Yarborough contributed three rejections on the outside, while Golmen tallied a pair of block-assists in the middle. Milligan and freshman Mallory Jury (15 digs) bolstered the back row, combining for 39 digs, while Jury's added a pair of aces as the visitors racked up 11 total on the afternoon.
Twice the Evangels (15-10, 11-7) took a lead, but twice the Golden Eagles rallied to tie the match.
Trailing 11-9 in the fifth and deciding set, the visitors rallied on a 6-1 to capture the season sweep of MACU, as Mullins smacked a pair of kills and added a block (with Yarborough) down the final stretch. Five of the final John Brown points were a direct result of the hosts committing crucial errors.
"Our match against MACU was another classic chapter in our fierce rivalry," admitted head coach Ken Carver. "Despite recent losses, our team displayed incredible determination and grit. We battled back to force a fifth set and ultimately secured a hard-fought victory.
"Everyone on the team contributed to this win, both on and off the court. Our increased serving pressure disrupted MACU's rhythm, and our improved hustle matched their defensive tenacity. We applied the skills we practiced to earn a crucial conference win and a season sweep over MACU. This victory is a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in each other."
Mid-America Christian was led by Alica Obusekova, who tallied 18 kills on a .298 hitting percentage, and Casady McKinney, who dished out 24 assists and served up four aces. Ryley Bowden contributed a team-high 33 digs, while Sydney Martin added five aces to the MACU serving effort.With the win, John Brown remains in the hunt in a packed group in the middle of the Sooner Athletic standings. The Golden Eagles will return to action on Friday night (Nov. 1), welcoming Oklahoma Panhandle State to Bill George Arena for senior night festivities. The match, which airs live on the SAC Sports Network, is slated for a 6 p.m. first serve.
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Don't miss a minute of the latest action surrounding JBU Athletics by following the Golden Eagles on Twitter (@JBUathletics), Instagram (@JBUathletics) and Facebook (/JBUathletics). Catch every Golden Eagle home game and select away games on the SAC Sports Network, available online or for download on your favorite streaming device.
