MONTICELLO- It was a battle until the very end, but Ouachita Baptist was the last team standing on Tuesday night, defeating Arkansas-Monticello, 3-2, for a Gulf South Conference Volleyball victory on Tuesday in Monticello.
Ouachita (12-2, 1-2 GSC West) led 2-1, but the Cotton Blossoms (0-12, 0-2 GSC West) fought back, forcing a game 5 that the Lady Tigers won 15-10. Ouachita senior Ryleigh Lay came up with a crucial performance, recording 14 kills to lead the Lady Tigers to a 25-23, 18-25, 25-21, 13-25, 15-10 victory. The victory over Arkansas-Monticello is the first GSC victory of the season for Ouachita.
Along with Lay, sophomore Megan Askew finished with 10 kills, while reigning GSC Defensive Player of the Week Allison Frizzell led Ouachita with 23 digs. Junior Lexie Hegi added 27 assists in the victory.
For Arkansas-Monticello, Dayna Moyer and Bailie Jedlicka combined for 32 kills. The Cotton Blossoms led in most statistical categories, including attack percentage and digs, but the fifth and final set changed after the score was tied at 6-6. A pair of attack errors and a service ace from junior Kristyn Howk changed the momentum, and ultimately the game for Ouachita, giving the Lady Tigers a 9-6 lead. Ouachita would go on a 6-4 run to close out the game and secure the victory.
The Lady Tigers return home on Thursday, Sept. 30 for the first installment of the Battle of the Ravine series against Henderson State at 7 p.m. in Arkadelphia.
