The OU volleyball team overcame a penalty-laden opening set to best the Michigan State Spartans in four sets, 19-25, 26-24, 25-14 and 25-21 Friday morning at Howard McCasland Field House.

The Sooners limited their mistakes as the match progressed and with the victory, move to 1-0 on the season. Freshman outside hitter Caitlin Higgins led the way with 18 kills, while freshman setter Brianne Barker notched 35 assists.

The veteran tandem of junior outside hitter Bridget Laplante and senior libero/defensive specialist Lacy Barnes put on a show defensively, tallying 19 and 14 digs respectively. Sophomore middle blocker Chrissy Disarro added a match-high eight blocks – three solo and five assisted.

The Sooners meet the Wichita State Shockers later this evening at 8 p.m.

After dispatching the Michigan State Spartans Friday morning, the Sooner volleyball team broke even on the first day of action in the Sooner Legends/Nike Invitational, falling to the Wichita State Shocker in three sets, 30-32, 13-25 and 24-26.

Highlighted by an electrifying opening set that featured numerous momentum shifts and extensive rallies that had the Sooner faithful roaring inside the Howard McCasland Field House, the women fall to 1-1 on the season and round out the tournament by squaring off with the No. 10 Cal Poly Mustangs Saturday at 1 p.m.

After dropping the high-octane first set, the Sooners had trouble finding their rhythm for the remainder of the match, struggling to penetrate the staunch Shocker defense, who out-dug the Sooners 74-53 overall.

Redshirt sophomore middle blocker and preseason All-Big 12 selection Francie Ekwerekwu raked in a team-high 10 kills on the night, as well as a .474 attack percentage. Defensively, the duo of junior outside hitter Jackie Fotu and sophomore middle blocker Christy Disarro notched four and three blocks respectively.