TULSA, Okla. - Oral Roberts Volleyball opened the Gonzaga Volleyball Invitational on September 3, facing Eastern Washington University in its first match of the tournament. 

The Golden Eagles battled through a competitive opening set, falling just short, 26-24, while recording 10 team kills and 25 digs. ORU dropped the second set, coming short again, 25-13, but responded strongly in the third, recording twice as many kills as Eastern Washington to take the set, 25-19. 

ORU continued its momentum in the fourth set, holding off Eastern Washington, 25-23. Cortnee Smith led the Golden Eagles with eight kills in the set, while Olivia Burns contributed six digs to help extend the match to a decisive fifth set. 

Despite a hard-fought effort, ORU fell in the final set, finishing the match 3-2. 

Smith and Ana Appel each recorded their second double-double of the season. Smith logged 26 kills and 15 digs, while Appel tallied 40 assists and 19 digs. 

NEXT UP: Oral Roberts will face Gonzaga on Friday, September 4, at 8 p.m. CT. 

For the latest information on ORU volleyball, follow @ORUVolleyball on X or go to www.ORUAthletics.com.  

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