JOPLIN, MO – The Volleyball team opened their season at the Southern Invite in Joplin, Missouri this afternoon, competing in two games against Northwestern Oklahoma State and Southwest Baptist.
Game 1
The Jets opened the day against Northwestern Oklahoma State at 11 AM. In the first set, the Jets were overpowered early on in the set, as the Rangers went up 12-2. NWOSU would go on to win the set 25-11.
The second set started off similarly to the first, but the Jets slowly but surely got into the set. Newman went on a 12-4 run that put the Rangers on the ropes till the very end of the set. During the run,
Makenna Reinert had three straight kills to keep Newman in the game. Despite the strong turnaround, the Rangers were able to squeak by and win 25-22.
The third set was a tight back and forth affair, with each team trading blows. With the score at 19-17 in favor of NWOSU, Newman went on another run, this time scoring six straight without response. Kills from Reinert and
Ozioma Ajekwu helped the Jets stay in control, as they Jets won the set 25-22.
The fourth set was complete domination from the Jets. Senior McKenzie Weaver had four straight assists in four straight Newman points, as Newman would even the match at 2-2 after the 25-15 set win.
The fifth set was once again back and forth till the very end. NWOSU would end up winning the set 15-10, despite the Jets attempt at an incredible comeback.
Makenna Reinert ended the match with 17 kills, while McKenzie Weaver had 20 assists. Sophomore
Avery Dempsey had 15 assists against her former team.
Game 2
The Jets played Southwest Baptist later that evening. Despite two close sets, the Jets were not their usual selves and had several miscues in the second set, which led to their eventual defeat.
Both the first and third sets were decided by the same score line, with the Bearcats winning 25-19.
Ajekwu had the most kills in the game with seven. Weaver and Dempsey both contributed major numbers to the offense, as they had twelve and eight assists respectively.
The Jets will be back in action tomorrow morning at 9 A.M. against Southern Arkansas, and again at 3 P.M., facing off against Cameron.
