FULTON, Mo – William Woods University (18-10, 9-7 Heart) held its Pink Out game at Anderson Arena as it hosted Missouri Baptist (24-5, 15-1 Heart), looking to even the season series.
With the Owls taking first serve, it was Missouri Baptist who jumped ahead early, building a commanding lead. Despite a pair of strategic timeouts from head coach Ashley Wilson, the Owls couldn't find their rhythm and dropped the opening set, 25-16.
Down 1-0 in the match, Woods looked the bounce back and even the game. Even with Missouri Baptist getting an early lead, the Owls would take the lead back late in the set with
Luciana Paiva Pereira recording 3 kills in a row. With that, Woods was able to ride their momentum to a demanding 25-18 set 2 win and even the match 1-1.
With an even tie in the match, both teams were looking to get an edge, with the Spartans getting just that with an early 4-0 lead. The Owls would not roll over as they would regain the lead over the Spartans with a kill and 3 blocks coming from
Pamela Durazo. Throughout the match was filled with back and forth as each team traded blows, but the Spartans would be the ones who prevailed with a 25-20 set win.
Facing a must-win fourth set, Woods refused to go quietly. Each team traded blows throughout, with neither able to pull away. Thanks to some timely Spartan errors and another strong showing from Durazo, the Owls nearly forced a decisive fifth set. However, Missouri Baptist closed out the frame in extra points, 30-28, sealing the 3-1 victory.
The Owls look to bounce back as they host Park University for a staff/faculty appreciation game. First serve is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, the 31st.
