JOPLIN, Mo. -- Lindsey Houran had another outstanding all-around performance to power Central Oklahoma past Missouri Southern Saturday afternoon.
The Bronchos battled from behind in the first two sets on their way to a 25-17, 25-20, 25-22 triumph for their 19th sweep of the season, improving to 23-3 overall and 9-3 in MIAA play. And Houran was once again the catalyst from her setter post.
The senior standout and team captain – who entered the week ranked third nationally in assists per set with 11.72 -- averaged 13.0 in the sweep, finishing with 39. Houran added nine digs, three service aces, two assisted blocks and two kills.
"Lindsey continues to show why she's one of the best players in the country," head coach Edgar Miraku said. "She did an excellent job running the offense once again and does so much else for our team.
"It was a tough match. Southern fought hard and didn't make it easy on us for sure, but we stayed together and got it done. It was a good road win."
Sydney Huck hit .300 with a match-high 14 kills to lead UCO's offensive attack. Mikiah Perdue had a .308 attack percentage with 10 kills and Lari Migliorino hit .389 with nine kills and two aces.
UCO also got six kills from Sawyer Franz, while Riley Roberts dug up a match-high 18 attacks to go along with four kills and four assists. Kaitlyn Parrott chipped in 14 digs.
The Bronchos trailed most of the early going in the first set, getting a Migliorino kill and ace during a 3-0 run to take the lead for good at 11-9. It was still a one-point advantage at 12-11 when Perdue knocked down back-to-back kills and Huck added another to make it 15-11.
MSSU never got any closer, with Huck adding three kills and Franz two the rest of the way to finish off the 25-17 victory.
The Lions jumped on top early in the second set and were up 16-11 when UCO reeled off seven unanswered points to move in front.
Huck started that surge with a kill, Migliorino followed with one of her own and a Southern error cut the deficit to 16-14. A Houran ace and Huck kill tied it, then Roberts made a solo block and Houran served up another ace to make it 18-16.
Franz and Perdue had two kills apiece the rest of the way as UCO pulled away with the 25-20 win.
The third set was a battle throughout as neither team could gain control. Kills by Franz and Perdue gave UCO a 20-17 lead, but the Lions scored twice to get within one.
Kedron Burk slammed down a kill and joined Huck on a block to help push the advantage to 24-20 before MSSU scored twice, then Huck's final kill finished off the 25-22 victory.
The Bronchos play their final two home matches of the season next week, hosting Newman at 6 p.m. Thursday on Senior Day before taking on Pittsburg State at 6 p.m. Friday. UCO finishes the regular season the following week with matches at Emporia State and Washburn.
