October 08, 2005
Texas A&M ended a six-match losing skid and picked up its first Big 12 Conference victory of the season by defeating Oklahoma, 30-25, 25-30, 30-26, 30-22, at McCasland Field House.
With the victory, No. 23 A&M improves to 8-7 overall and 1-5 in the Big 12, while the Sooners fall to 5-11 and remain winless in conference play at 0-7.
"This is a win we have been waiting for," A&M coach Laurie Corbelli said. "We've been so close so many times and have had some great moments of volleyball but just haven't sustained them long enough to win a match in the Big 12.
"It's just been that a lot of things have not fallen our way, and to get this win is just such a sigh of relief. The distraction of we can't lose has been on our minds. To be on the road and get the win is a combination that we are so happy with and gives us a huge boost."
There were five lead changes in the opening game, and neither team held more than a three point lead until the Aggies went on a three-point run to build a 26-21 advantage. A&M, which had taken the lead for good at 18-17, built its biggest lead at 28-22. OU could get no closer than four points before Kelly Stanton and Kari Kelley teamed for a block for the game-winning point.
The Sooners never trailed in the second game after opening with back-to-back aces. OU built its biggest lead at 12-8 and maintained its four-point lead at 16-12, when the Sooners committed three consecutive errors to put A&M within a point. The Aggies eventually tied the score at 17 and again at 20 before OU went on a three-point run. A&M cut the lead to 25-23 but was unable to overcome the deficit, and the Sooners closed out the game with back-to-back kills.
OU jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third game and built its biggest lead at 11-7 following a three-point run. A&M came back and took its first lead at 19-18 on an attack error by the Sooners. OU twice tied the score, the last coming at 25. A&M held a 27-26 edge before closing out the game with another three-point rally.
A&M jumped out to an 8-2 lead in Game 4 and carried the momentum to build what was appearing to be a commanding 20-10 lead. The Sooners, however, continued to battle and got back within 25-20. Laura Jones then posted back-to-back kills for A&M, and an attack error by OU put the Aggies ahead, 28-20. The Sooners answered with two points before A&M ended the match with back-to-back kills.
Official statistics were not available at press time.
The Aggies return to action Wednesday at Iowa State. First serve is at 7 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.