CANYON, Texas – The #13 Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M were one win away from a share of the Lone Star Conference Championship but the Oklahoma Christian Eagles picked up a big five-set victory at Payne Athletic Center in Edmond, Oklahoma during the regular season finale.
 
WT began the first set with strong offensive efforts as Emma Becker recorded an early kill assisted by Parker Gladhill. Despite this initial momentum, Oklahoma Christian countered effectively, with service aces and blocks by Summer Van Meerveld and Annie Davis contributing to a lead. The Lady Buffs found their rhythm midway through the set, with Currie Marusak and Kaycee Cavanaugh executing successful kills to narrow the gap. A series of kills by Kael Wilcox and Taytum Stow further closed the score, bringing the visitors within reach.
 
However, Oklahoma Christian regained control with decisive plays from Chloe Jones and Kathryn Christie. Despite a resilient push from WTAMU, the set closed with Oklahoma Christian securing a 25-20 lead.
 
WT gained momentum early in the second set with strong offensive plays led by Currie Marusak and Bromli Watson. Marusak delivered a series of effective kills, contributing to multiple scoring opportunities for the visiting team. Defensive efforts, highlighted by Emma Becker's blocks, further fortified the team's position.
 
As the set progressed, Kaycee Cavanaugh and Taytum Stow added to the scoreline with decisive kills, maintaining West Tex. A&M's advantage. The team capitalized on Oklahoma Christian's errors, extending their lead with consistent plays. The visiting team concluded the set with a solid 25-17 score, building on their lead heading into the next phase of play.
 
WT began the third set by overcoming an early deficit with a series of scoring drives, highlighted by Emma Becker's kill from Bromli Watson to narrow the margin. The team continued to capitalize on Oklahoma Christian's errors, tying the score at 5-5 before taking a slight lead. Parker Gladhill's block with Emma Becker was pivotal in maintaining the momentum.
 
As the set progressed, West Tex. A&M maintained their edge with consistent offense from Taytum Stow and Currie Marusak, each adding crucial kills. Despite Oklahoma Christian's attempts to close the gap, West Tex. A&M extended their advantage to 22-17 following a service ace by Kaycee Cavanaugh. Though Oklahoma Christian rallied late, West Tex. A&M secured the set with a decisive block by Bromli Watson and Parker Gladhill, concluding the set 25-22.
 
In the fourth set, West Texas A&M started strong with Taytum Stow scoring the opening point off an assist from Bromli Watson. A back-and-forth exchange followed, with Currie Marusak and Emma Becker contributing key kills to keep the score close at 4-3. However, Oklahoma Christian responded with a series of successful plays, pulling ahead to a 12-7 advantage.
 
West Texas A&M fought back midway through the set, with Becker leading a mini-run to close the gap to 18-15, capitalizing on errors from the opponents. Despite the push, Oklahoma Christian managed to maintain their lead, extending it to 22-17. Becker and Marusak continued to find success in the latter stages, trimming the deficit to 22-20. Ultimately, Oklahoma Christian capitalized on late errors from West Texas A&M, closing the set with a 25-20 score, securing the set win.
 
In a closely contested fifth set, West Tex. A&M began with a service ace by Taytum Stow, gaining an early 2-1 advantage. The set saw back-and-forth exchanges, with key blocks by Currie Marusak and Sharlotte McClintock helping to maintain pressure on Oklahoma Christian. Despite a strong defensive effort, Oklahoma Christian capitalized on a few errors to keep the score even.
 
As the set progressed, Bromli Watson and Kaycee Cavanaugh delivered timely kills, allowing West Tex. A&M to regain a narrow lead at 11-10. However, Oklahoma Christian responded with kills from Chloe Jones and Annie Davis, shifting the momentum in their favor. Ultimately, a late block by Katy Geurin and Lauren Cary sealed the set for Oklahoma Christian, closing the set at 19-17 in favor of the home team.
 
Emma Becker posted a strong performance with 18 kills and led the team defensively with 19 digs, while contributing six total blocks. Marusak added 20 kills and recorded 13 digs, finishing with 21.5 points. Watson orchestrated the offense with 49 assists and supported the defense with 18 digs. Gladhill contributed significantly at the net with seven total blocks.
 
Chloe Jones led the Oklahoma Christian team with a standout performance, contributing 22 kills on 49 attempts, resulting in a .367 hitting percentage. She also excelled defensively with 27 digs and added five total blocks, earning 25.0 points overall. Katy Geurin also made a significant impact with 12 kills and four total blocks, accumulating 14.0 points. Sophie Mae Smith facilitated the offense with a team-high 35 assists and contributed defensively with 11 digs. Annie Davis provided offensive support, recording 20 kills and earning 20.5 points for the team. Sara Freeman anchored the defense with 16 digs, completing her performance with one service ace.
 
The Lady Buffs will be the third seed in next week's Lone Star Conference Championships at the Junell Center in San Angelo, Texas. Stay tuned to GoBuffsGo.com for the complete tournament schedule and game information.