FORT SMITH, Ark. (Feb. 10, 2021) – Arkansas-Fort Smith started and closed each set with a big run and swept Oklahoma Christian 3-0 (25-20, 25-8, 25-15) on Wednesday night in the second volleyball match in two nights between the Lone Star Conference rivals.

It was the first time the Eagles – who are playing their first competitive season since fall 1983 – were swept in seven matches since the program's return.

Arkansas-Fort Smith (3-1, 3-1 LSC) had star performances turned in by Julia McCown (11 kills) and Courtney Crownover, who just missed a triple-double with eight kills, 19 assists and 18 digs and a .500 attack percentage. Hannah Holland and Faith Marabella added eight kills each for the Lions.

Spencer Plato led OC (2-5, 1-5) with 13 assists, 10 digs and two aces, which came on consecutive serves in the first set and allowed the Eagles to pull even at 12-12 after UAFS started the match with a 6-1 run. OC and the Lions were tied 16-16 when UAFS posted another 6-1 run to seize control. The Lions eventually won the set 25-20.

The Lions controlled the second set from start to finish, jumping to leads of 4-0 and 10-1 before winning the final seven points for a 25-8 decision.

Arkansas-Fort Smith took an 8-1 lead in the third set. OC rallied to within 17-12 but the Lions reeled off seven straight. OC fended off three match points before the Lions closed the match.

Talby Duerksen had seven kills for OC with a .294 attack percentage, while Hannah Rouse and Allyssa Hamlin had five each. The only other OC player besides Plato to reach double digits in any statistical category was setter Jessica Souza, who had 11 assists. Brylie Berryman came close, with nine digs.

OC is scheduled to host Northwestern Oklahoma State in a nonconference match next Wednesday before returning to LSC play with matches at Midwestern State (Texas) on Feb. 23-24.