ALVA, Okla. — Win number two in Great American Conference action for Mulerider Volleyball has been secured, as the Blue and Gold went into Alva, Oklahoma and took a five-set win from the Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers. In the process, Southern Arkansas claimed its first victory over an Oklahoma program in the league, and its second-straight triumph over the Rangers to tie the all-time series against the unit, now at 7-7.
The Muleriders had all-around strong showings from the squad, as the group had three individuals with double-digit kill figures, led by freshman Peighton Killeen's 20 kills. Those 20 kills mark a new career best in her young career.
With one assisted block, Killeen accounted for 20.5 points, and was backed up by senior Brinklee Dauenhauer who tallied 20.0 total points with her 16 kills and four service aces. Also in the bout, the Springtown, Texas, local tallied 21 digs to bring her to a career total of 1,004 digs.
Also with double-digit kills, junior from Georgetown, Texas, Charley Walker recorded a ten kill match with two assisted blocks.
SAU saw a combined effort in the setting game, as sophomore Kate Schofield and senior Hayden PInard combined together for 58 assists with each accounting for 29 assists.
Libero Kendall Toliver had herself a solid match with 34 digs in the contest, amounting to her second-most this season.
Set One (L, 25-21)
The opening frame featured a competitive start, with the teams trading points before Northwestern Oklahoma State began to create separation. The Rangers held a 15-13 advantage midway through the set and later stretched the lead to 23-19. Southern Arkansas continued to find answers at the net, with Killeen and Dauenhauer providing offensive production as the Muleriders worked to close the gap. SAU made a late push, but Northwestern maintained its advantage to take the opening set, 25-21.
Set Two (W, 25-21)
The Muleriders responded with a strong second-set performance, overcoming an early deficit and gradually shifting the momentum. After Northwestern Oklahoma moved in front, Southern Arkansas used a productive stretch to even the score at 17-17, highlighted by a kill from Walker. The Blue and Gold continued to apply pressure, and Dauenhauer helped fuel a key run with a service ace and a point that extended the Mulerider lead to 21-18. Killeen followed with another kill, and SAU maintained control down the stretch to take the set, 25-21, and even the match at one set apiece.
Set Three (L, 26-24)
With the match tied, the third set developed into a tight battle that required extra points to decide. Southern Arkansas recorded 17 kills in the frame and continued to trade points with the Rangers throughout the set. Neither side was able to pull away for long, and the Muleriders remained within striking distance as the score tightened late. SAU fought to extend the frame beyond the 24-point mark, but Northwestern secured the final points to claim a 26-24 decision and regain the match advantage at 2-1.
Set Four (W, 25-19)
Facing elimination, Southern Arkansas delivered one of its strongest offensive sets of the night, recording 18 kills while hitting .318. The Muleriders built an early 6-4 lead and continued to apply pressure as the teams exchanged points through the middle portion of the frame. After NWOSU stayed close, SAU found separation with a decisive stretch that turned a 15-14 advantage into a 20-18 lead. The Blue and Gold kept pushing, with Dauenhauer and Killeen contributing key kills as the margin grew. Southern Arkansas closed the set on a strong note, earning the final point on a block by Allie Cooper to secure the 25-19 win and force a deciding fifth set.
Set Five (W, 15-9)
With the match on the line, the Muleriders carried their momentum into the deciding frame. Southern Arkansas established an early advantage and continued to build on it through timely offensive plays and pressure that disrupted the Rangers' attack. Northwestern was held to just three kills in the final set while committing seven attack errors, allowing the Blue and Gold to create separation. SAU maintained its composure through the closing points to finish the set, 15-9, completing the comeback and earning the five-set road victory.
Up Next:
Southern Arkansas continues its Great American Conference road swing on Friday, October 16, as the Muleriders travel to Weatherford, Oklahoma, to take on Southwestern Oklahoma State. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m.
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