TULSA, Okla. – The Golden Eagles dropped their final match of the 2024 season to the Denver Pioneers on senior night (16-25, 10-25, 20-25).
 
Denver got into a rhythm early, outmatching ORU with a 16-kill set to the Golden Eagles 10. Despite Hope Hickman's three kills, ORU's offense fell short as the Golden Eagles failed to capitalize on key chances, giving the Pioneers a one set lead.
 
Denver was the favorite in set two, hitting .458 while ORU endured a 13-1 run to close the set. Eight attack errors and a -.067 hitting percentage were no match for the Pioneers dominant offensive attack.
 
The Golden Eagles made the third set competitive, racking up 11 kills and two service aces. ORU earned a 17-14 advantage behind back-to-back service aces from Rachel Resta but Denver mounted a 7-1 run, pulling ahead by three (18-21). ORU gave up a 4-1 run to close out the set and seal the match and season for the Golden Eagles.
 
Match Notes

• Hope Hickman led the Golden Eagles offensively with nine kills, her first time leading ORU in kills in her career. She also racked up three digs defensively.
• Thaynara de Jesus and Breanna Rivas each had five digs, leading the team.
• Senior Nadia Wheeler had an impressive match, notching four kills and a .500 hitting percentage. Shelbi Steen also followed close behind, recording four kills, a .273 hitting percentage and half a block.
• Trinity Freeman carded six kills, four digs and a .167 hitting percentage.
• Maite Solabarrieta was the Golden Eagles' primary setter for the match, racking up 19 assists and two digs on the match.
• ORU heads into next season three wins away from 1,000 wins as a program.

 
Up Next
The Golden Eagles look ahead to the 2025 season!
 
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