Volleyball Rolls to 3-0 Victory

DENTON, Texas - The Oklahoma volleyball team kicked off the Mean Green Classic with a 3-0 sweep, its fourth straight, of Sam Houston State Friday morning. The Sooners dominated the entire match with scores of 30-12, 30-20 and 30-17 as they extended their season record to 6-2.

The Sooner defense smothered the Bearkats as they held Sam Houston State to a -.124 hitting percentage while recording 12.5 team blocks. Additionally, the offensive attack for OU was on fire as it posted a .321 hitting percentage while serving up seven aces.

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Senior Laura Tomes was a major factor in OU's victory as she led the team with nine kills on a .750 hitting percentage, setting a career high. Tomes has been one of the most consistent hitters in the country this season as she is currently eighth among all NCAA players with a .492 overall hitting percentage.

Tomes was also exceptional on the defensive side where she contributed a season-high five block assists and one solo block.

“Laura (Tomes) was excellent for us today,” head coach Santiago Restrepo said. “She was exceptional with her consistency on offense while also leading our squad on the defensive side.”

Many Sooners saw the most court time they had seen all season against the Bearkats. Setter Julie Chester played in all three games, the most she has played all season, and recorded 18 assists while contributing three block assists at the net.

Libero Anna Monsen and defensive specialist Hannah Sharp led the defense with seven digs each while freshman Bridget Laplante collected six digs.

Adding to the defense were juniors Anna Stadel and Sarah Weiland, who each posted three block assists at the net.

Besides Tomes, the offense was spread out through the entire squad as five Sooners hit over .300. With 12 different girls seeing action for OU, it marked the first time this season that no Sooner recorded double-digit kills.

“The part I enjoyed most about the match today was how we were able to play girls in different positions and they responded,” Restrepo said.

Oklahoma, looking to extend its winning streak to five, will take on host school North Texas at 7 p.m. tonight.