'Roos Split with Ouachita and HPU

SHERMAN, Texas –The Austin College volleyball team fell 3-1 to NCAA Division II opponent Ouachita Baptist but rebounded with a 3-1 win over Howard Payne on Tuesday in Hughey Gym. The 'Roos are now 9-7 overall on the year.

The 'Roos came out strong against Ouachita, taking the first set 25-23, but the Tigers took the next three by scores of 25-15, 25-20, 25-17. Austin College hit just .082 as a team, with Kristen Massey leading the attack with 10 kills and only two hitting errors. Mayson Kennon added 9 kills and Christine Royalty added seven. Brooklyn Talley had a double-double with 22 assists and 14 digs, and Mari Prazak led the 'Roos with 16 digs. Massey added five total blocks. 

Against Howard Payne, the 'Roos cruised to a 25-14 first set victory before dropping the second set 25-17. Austin College rebounded with a 25-21 third set win and closed things out with a 25-19 win to clinch the match. Royalty had a monster game, totaling 16 kills with a .714 hitting percentage, also adding five total blocks. Aelyn Rodriguez added nine kills and Kennon had seven, while Talley had 28 assists. Prazak had 13 digs to lead the 'Roos and Hannah Arbaugh added 10. 

The 'Roos hit the road on Thursday to take on Arlington Baptist in a non-conference matchup. 

Austin College athletic teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.