ECU survives five-set battle with Southeastern | Sports | theadanews.com

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East Central’s Julia Kabala (11) sets up teammate Angel Nahinu (5) for a kill during a match earlier this season inside the Kerr Activities Center. The Tigers defeated arch-nemesis Southeastern in a five-set thriller Saturday night inside the Kerr Activities Center.

The East Central University volleyball team jumped back into the win column with a five-set victory over rival Southeastern Saturday inside the Kerr Activities Center.

The match was originally scheduled for Nov. 4 but was postponed.

Both teams were hungry for the win, but the Tigers would come out on top, outlasting the Storm in a thrilling five-set match (16-25, 25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 15-8).

With the win, ECU improves to 15-13 overall and 9-5 in the Great American Conference. The 15 wins tie the program record for most wins in a single season. Southeastern drops to 12-14 and 7-7.

“We started off shaky but I was proud to see us fight back, be tested, and finish,” said ECU head coach Danielle Essix. “We still have goals that we are looking to check off as we prepare for the postseason.”

After dropping the first set 25-16, the Tigers turned it around in Set 2 with a 25-16 win and then claimed Set 3 25-21 to take a 2-1 match lead. However, SE stormed back in Set 4, flipping the score to clinch a 25-21 victory and force a decisive fifth set.

In the final frame, tensions were high as both teams traded points until they were tied at 5-all. Then, ECU answered with a crucial 6-1 scoring run, taking an 11-6 lead and shifting the momentum firmly back in their favor. The Storm managed two quick points, but the Tigers responded with four straight to seal the match and secure the victory.

Offensively, Odalys Gonzalez and Emma Strickland led the way, each recording 15 kills. Gonzalez also contributed 19 digs, while Strickland added 18 digs for a double-double.

Julia Kabala ran the offense, registering 38 assists and 14 digs. In the back row, Valentina Tijerina posted a team-high 24 digs, while Macey McAmis set a career-high with 19 digs.

The Tigers will hit the road one final time in the regular season for a matchup with Oklahoma Baptist University at 6 p.m. tonight in Shawnee. ECU then plays inside the Kerr Activities Center for the final time when Southern Nazarene visits Ada at 6 p.m. Thursday night. The GAC Championships is scheduled for Nov. 21-23 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

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