OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 28, 2021) – The Oklahoma Christian Eagles are becoming the queens of two-set comebacks – they've forced a fifth set three times now this season after trailing 2-0 in a volleyball match – but the quality of the opponent they rallied against Sunday afternoon raised some eyebrows.

Central Oklahoma, traditionally a strong NCAA Division II program, looked ready to sweep OC for the second time in eight days. But the Eagles bowed up and tied the match with two strong sets before UCO took the fifth set and the nonconference match 3-2 (25-18, 25-22, 22-25, 13-25, 15-9) in the Eagles' Nest.

Even in defeat, OC (3-8) showed it could hold its own against a team like UCO (4-2) that regularly competes for a spot in the Division II tournament. The Eagles' attack percentage of .188 was higher than that of the Bronchos (.165) and over the course of the match, UCO won only one more point than did OC.

"As a whole, we played really well today," OC coach Barry Wheeler said. "We saw some strategies that were working for us and they were doing those things. It was just a good thing overall, other than not getting the 'W.' But making the effort that we did, being down two (sets) and pushing them to five, that, for us, is a pretty good step."

Three OC players reached double digits in kills. Caitlynne Hudgens had 14 kills to go with 15 digs, while Talby Duerksen had 13 kills and five block assists and Allyssa Hamlin had 11 kills and eight digs. Setters Jessica Souza (21 assists, 15 digs) and Emily Armstrong (21 assists, nine digs) also shined, as did libero Brylie Berryman had 21 digs.

Meanwhile, the Bronchos had five players who had between eight and 13 digs, with Lauren Jenkins leading the way. Jaedynn Evans was stout on defense for UCO with 39 digs.

OC jumped to a 5-1 lead in the opening set but the Bronchos seized control with a 12-3 run and added a five-point run near the set's end. The Eagles stayed close throughout the second set, but UCO scored four straight points to go up 19-15 and finished it off from there.

The Bronchos appeared on verge of the sweep after a four-point run gave them a 17-13 lead in the third set but the Eagles answered with four straight points of their own. UCO led 20-19 before OC scored six of the final eight points to win the set.

OC dominated the fourth set, outscoring the Bronchos 19-7 after the set was tied 6-6. OC had 15 kills in the set (seven by Hudgens) after recording 14 in the third set.

"We really didn't change anything a lot," Wheeler said. "We just did a couple of minor switches. For the most part, it was just the kids making better decisions with the ball and actually making some plays, forcing some things to get some easy balls and scoring off of that. It's fun to watch."

On the cusp of what would have been a stunning upset, the Eagles blinked. UCO surged to a 7-1 lead in the fifth set. OC rallied within 8-4 and 11-8 but came no closer.

"It's just hard to be down 7-1 in a shortened game," Wheeler said.

The Eagles will return to Lone Star Conference action on Tuesday and Wednesday when they host divisional rival Arkansas-Fort Smith. Both matches will start at 6 p.m.