Using a balanced offensive attack and strong blocking at the net, the John Brown University volleyball team improved to 6-1 all-time inside Anchor D Arena with a decisive sweep (25-13, 25-21, 25-21) of Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 28).
JBU dominated both offensively and defensively throughout the match, maintaining control with a .205 (41-15-127) hitting percentage while holding the Aggies to a meager .092 (31-20-120) attack efficiency.
Offensively, John Brown featured a pair of standout performances, led by two errorless afternoons from senior Taylor Golmen and junior Ella Yarborough. In the middle, Golmen smacked 12 kills on 26 swings (.462), while Yarborough added nine terminations on 25 attempts (.360).
Other notable efforts included senior Savanna Riney, who posted seven kills and one ace, while adding six digs. Senior Lilly Ruston chipped in six kills on 14 swings (.286) and added a block assist.
JBU's defense, anchored by senior Grace Barfknecht, remained solid throughout the match and featured a pair of double-digit scoop efforts. Barfknecht led the way with 13 digs, while senior Julie Milligan added 10. The duo combined for four of John Brown's six service aces on the afternoon.
Sophomore Kailana Chamnongchith played a pivotal role in orchestrating the offense, dishing out a match-high 23 assists, while also chipping in five digs. It was the fourth time this season she eclipsed the 20-assist mark in a match.
The front-row defense was led by senior Erin Mullins and Yarborough, who combined for seven total blocks (two solo, five assisted). The visitors' serving game was efficient, committing just five service errors.
The Golden Eagles (7-10, 6-3 Sooner Athletic) opened the match strong, posting a .306 attack percentage in the first set, driven by precise sets and aggressive swings. After an early 2-2 tie, JBU went on a decisive 7-0 run to take a commanding 9-2 lead. This surge was powered by key kills from Taylor Golmen and Emma-Kate Schaefer, along with several OPSU attack errors, putting JBU in control early.
In the second set, OPSU adjusted and put up a stronger fight, forcing the Golden Eagles into several attacking errors, but JBU held steady. The Aggies capitalized on JBU's .070 hitting percentage in the set, but a late 6-2 John Brown run broke open a 19-19 tie, aided by a pair of Yarborough kills and assisting on another block down the stretch.
The third set saw JBU regain its offensive rhythm, hitting .250 as a team. Despite falling into a quick 4-0 hole, the Golden Eagles rode five Riney terminations and four aces in the final frame to take advantage of a 5-0 rally with the set tied at 11 to pull ahead for good. Golmen added two kills and an ace down the stretch.
For OPSU (5-12, 3-6), outside hitter Taylor Silva recorded 13 kills and hitting .205 on 39 attempts. However, the Aggies were unable to find consistent offensive support, with no other player reaching double digit kills. Setter Mia Sanchez led the Aggies with 13 assists, but JBU's blocking and defense limited the Aggies to a .000 hitting percentage in the first set and .060 in the second set before they improved to .235 in the final frame.
The Golden Eagles return home to Bill George Arena for a pair of matches, beginning with Langston (Okla.) on Friday evening (Oct. 4), followed by a matinee contest with Central Christian (Kan.) the following afternoon at 4 p.m. Both contest will be aired live by the SAC Sports Network.
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