UTPB hands Aggie spikers a loss at home

October 12, 2012

OPSU’s Erica Skipper (1) and libero Nora Pulaski (14) wait for the ball to come to them. Staff photo/John Plestina

GOODWELL—The Aggies took another loss on the volleyball court Thursday night from the University of Texas-Permian Basin in a home match played in Oscar Williams Field House.
Oklahoma Panhandle State University lost 24-26, 15-25 and 17-25 in the best three of five match.
Erica Skipper led the Aggie attack with seven kills, followed by Jessica DeBaun and Shaina Eddings with five each, Lexi McAdam and Sarah Koster with three apiece, Kayla Schwartz with two and Michaela Redding and Alex Schmidt with one each.
Terra Madden had 10 assists, Schwartz had eight, Redding had two and Skipper, Schmidt and Eddings each had one.
DeBaun had one block.
The Lady Aggies came within two points at least twice during the first set, but ended up losing Set 1 24-26. UTPB maintained a 4-10 –point lead through most of the second set as they cruised to a 15-25 Set 2 finish. The second set might have set the tone for UTPB. Set 3 didn’t go much better for the Lady Aggies with a 17-25 finish in UTPB’s favor.
OPSU head coach Mike Stephens is rebuilding the program with nine players on the 12-member squad new to Lady Aggie volleyball this year. He is working with four freshmen and four sophomores. Redding and Schmidt are the only seniors.
He said after the match with UTPB that despite hard work at practices, there has been a lack of follow through and mental mistakes with less experienced players.
“It’s (outcome of UTPB match) pretty consistent with what we do,” Stephens said.
The then praised the talents of much of his team.
“We’ve got all the physical gifts in the world,” Stephens said. “We’ve got to play with confidence.”
OPSU’s overall record now stands at 4-16. UTPB improved to 8-12 with the win.
The Lady Aggies host McMurry University Saturday at noon in Oscar Williams Field House.

UTPB 26 25 25
OPSU 24 15 17