This evening the Bearcats (11-13, 4-10 Big 12) welcomed in Big 12 foe Oklahoma (9-15, 2-12 Big 12) for the start of a two-game series here at Fifth Third Arena. The first matchup between these two programs since 2011 where the Bearcats defeated the Sooners in four sets. The Bearcats with a huge opportunity ahead of them heading into the final week of the season as they look to get back to that .500% mark after their tough loss to No. 3 Texas last week.
The Bearcats would defeat the Sooners 3-2 in a five-set thriller that came down to the wire to say the least. The Bearcats overcame a 2-1 deficit highlighted by an eleven-point run in the fourth set that really set the tone for the Bearcats in the final stretch of this match this evening. The Bearcats now improve to (12-13, 5-10 Big 12) play with a chance to sweep the Sooners tomorrow Night at Fifth Third Arena.
“That is a great win, we really had to battle tonight,” said Molly Alvey. “Our courage, composure tonight, to play as a team and finish tonight was huge. Abby Walker played unbelievable tonight, she’s had to step in play multiple positions, and it shows her versatility as a player. It showed her ability to be able to compete in the Big 12. She has it, the play at the net, her block is massive, she can score against big blocks, she is so physical. Abby is going to be so fun to watch and keep getting better and I said the same thing with Jordan Thompson, she is only going to get better.”
Final Stats
Abby Walker led the Bearcats with 17 kills and four blocks, on a match high .548% hitting percentage as the junior continue to produce for the Bearcats at the right-side position after losing Jadyn Bauss early in the season due to injury.
Zeta Washington recorded 15 kills and seven blocks on a .303 clip as the freshman continues to make her case for freshman of the year in the Big 12.
Elissa Alcantara set the tone early for the Bearcats on the outside pin as the senior racked up 13 kills, while junior setter Katlyn Lefler controlled the offense dishing out 47 assists along the way. Super senior libero Carly Skrabak finished with a match high 20 digs as the veteran libero continues to show why she was such a high priority piece for the Bearcats this offseason.
Alexis Shelton led the Sooners with a match high 29 kills on 59 attempts to propel the Sooners offense but did turn an ankle on the final play of the match and seemed to be in a lot of discomfort. However, that is something to keep an eye on heading into tomorrow’s match for the Sooners.
