Box Score Master's convincingly took the first set but dropped the next three as the OUAZ Spirit defeated the Mustangs in four sets Friday night in Surprise, Ariz.
The Mustangs (4-4 overall, 0-2 in GSAC) played their eighth consecutive match to open the 2022 season, and after the first set things looked very good. TMU won that set 25-14, but OUAZ, which started the season ranked in the NAIA Top 25, came back and convincingly took the second set 25-14, won the third 25-22, and then battled with the Mustangs before finally pulling away in the fourth 29-27.
"Tonight we switched up our lineup a bit in our setting and opposite position, which we weren't used to," said Master's Head Coach
Annett Davis. "Even with those changes we played well in the first set. Throughout the match, our girls just didn't have the same consistency and energy that they put out in the first set."Â
Ruby Duncan led the Mustangs with 15 kills, followed by
Faith Tarver's 12.
Natalie Collins provided 43Â assists, with
Breanna Brooks tallying eight blocks and
Karli Stults collecting 21 digs.
"
Breanna Brooks had a good night at the net," Davis said. "She had some solid blocks and some well-placed swings. She and
Faith Tarver never quit. We are hoping the mental toughness theose two showed will be infectious."
The Mustangs will finish off the Arizona road trip Saturday when they face Arizona Christian in Glendale, Ariz. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
"Tomorrow is a new day, and the girls will be ready to fight."
