ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State hosted the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist tonight for the first Battle of the Ravine of the season. The Reddies struggled to find their rhythm offensively throughout the match as Ouachita Baptist controlled the opening set and carried that momentum through the remainder of the night and ultimately fell 3-0.
The Reddies (9-8, 3-2) were led tonight by
Kelis Battles, who had eight kills on the night, with
Lasheena Gooseberry following with six.
Tyhia Mack collected the most assists on the night, with 16, while
Kaylon Partain followed with five. Defensively, both Battles and Partain had 15 digs on the night, with Mack following with 12.
Karsen Hart led the Reddies with two blocks.
Match Recap
Ouachita Baptist took control early in the opening set, building a 13-5 advantage before extending its lead to 17-8. Henderson State battled to stay within striking distance, but the Tigers maintained their cushion and closed out the set 25-14.
The Reddies came out with more energy in the second set and stayed within reach early. Henderson State held leads of 4-2 and 7-5 before Ouachita Baptist regained the advantage. The Tigers eventually built a 17-12 lead, but the Reddies answered with a late push. Henderson State cut the deficit to 21-19 after kills from
Melia Smith,
Calee Carter and
Shiloh Jones, putting the Reddies in position to extend the match. Ouachita Baptist, however, scored the final four points to take the set 25-21.
Henderson State again opened the third set well, taking an early lead before Ouachita Baptist moved in front 9-4. The Reddies responded with their strongest run of the night, scoring five straight points to tie the set at 9-9. Ouachita Baptist answered by regaining control and built a 16-11 advantage. Henderson State continued to battle, cutting the deficit to 18-13 before the Tigers pulled away again. The Reddies made one final push, scoring three consecutive points to make it 21-16, but Ouachita Baptist closed the set 25-16 to win the match.
Up Next -
The Reddies go on the road next week, with their first stop in Alva, Oklahoma. They will face off against the Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers in the Perceful Fieldhouse on Thursday October 1st at 6:00 P.M.
