PHOTO | Tara Espinoza
The Golden Suns volleyball team suffered a 0-3 loss to Ouachita Baptist on Sept. 22 at Tucker Coliseum.
The Golden Suns started their first set on the right foot, with multiple aces to progress the score. One was off the hand of Gracie Palmer, junior from Russellville, and another from Jamie Myrick, Sophomore from Bentonville. An additional kill from Brianna Merkel, a senior from Franklin, Wisconsin, would play a part in gaining the Golden Suns a lead at the beginning of the set.
This lead would be short-lived, as Ouachita Baptist went on a serving streak in the middle of the set, allowing them to close their losing gap and gain a 22-12 lead. The Golden Suns attempted a comeback in the set’s final moments but would lose their first set 25-16.
Ouachita Baptist dominated at the beginning of the second set, creating a 10-4 lead; however, the Golden Suns saw a moment of redemption after leveling the scoreboard at 10-10. Ouachita Baptist and the Golden Suns battled back and forth throughout the second set, once again dropping the board at 13-13 and 16-16.
The two teams found themselves neck and neck at the end of the set, 24-24. After multiple strong volleys, Ouachita Baptist took a set win of 27-25.
The third set would not be as close as the second. Ouachita Baptist quickly gained a 16-8 lead, leaving the Golden Suns in an uncomfortable position moving forward.
Multiple kills from Maddi Siedenburg, a sophomore from Wales, Wisconsin, would help Tech’s score progress to 21-15. The Golden Suns would not be able to close the gap, and Ouachita Baptist won the set 25-19 and the game 3-0.
Siedenburg led the team in kills for the game, while Palmer dominated in assists. Jenna Keller, a freshman from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, led in blocks.
The Golden Suns will play again against Southeastern Oklahoma on Sept. 29 and will return to their home court on Oct. 6 to face Southwestern Oklahoma.
