Strong fifth sets lead UNT past University of Oklahoma and Central Arkansas
Clay Massey | Staff Writer
North Texas won both their matches to open the Nike Invitational the University of Oklahoma defeating Central Arkansas and the host Oklahoma University in five sets, improving their record to 3-3 on the season. Upper classmen leaders Carnae Dillard and Amy Henard led the way for the Mean Green.
The first match against Central Arkansas was an even affair until the fifth set. Both teams executed their points and committed just about the same amount of mistakes. Arkansas finished the match with just one more attack mistake than the Mean Green with 25. Head coach Andrew Palileo has been preaching executing on chances when they arise to his girls.
“They were two good wins,” said Palileo. “I thought we strung a lot of points together. I thought we executed a lot better and kept the points shorter than we did early on this season.”
Where North Texas shined in their first match of the day was in the fifth set. Dillard took control with five kills and playing a part in eight straight points for the Mean Green. The set ended with a Dillard kill, making the score of the decisive set five 15-4 in favor of UNT, giving them the match.
“I think this team is moving in the right direction,” said Dillard. “I think this was a great eye-opening experience winning this morning match. We figured it out at the end of the fifth set, and I think that helped us lead into this game beating OU.”
The second match of the day against the University of Oklahoma was yet another back and forth affair. OU took set one by a score of 25-15. The next two sets were won by UNT by scores of 25-22 and 25-23 respectively. Sophomore Alexis Wright took control getting six kills across sets two and three, including the winner in set two.
Junior setter Henard shined as well, tallying 43 assists in both matches for a combined 86 on the day. This comes after only having 11 in the Mean Green’s match against the University of Texas at Arlington. Henard played a key part in both matches.
“I think I got back into a rhythm,” said Henard. “I went out there and played and didn’t focus on the details of things. I knew my hitters would put the ball down if I gave it to them in a hittable position. I relaxed and played the game I knew I can.”
North Texas came out swinging in set five going 4-0 before an Oklahoma timeout. The Sooners brought the match back to 10-10 before the teams traded points. The Mean Green would go on to win set five and the match by a score of 15-13 after a Holly Milam kill.
The Mean Green return to action tomorrow when they face the University of Arkansas – Little Rock Trojans at 10:00 A.M. in match seven of the tournament.
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