MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Tigers punch their ticket to the Great American Conference Tournament with a come from behind with a five set victory over the Southern Arkansas University Muleriders.
 
Starting middle blockers Karli Ferguson and Emily Low led the way for Ouachita in the match as both had 11 kills. Low added nine blocks, three solo and six assisted, for the Tigers as Ferguson put in a career high five blocks in the contest.
 
Lexie Castillow had another stellar game for the Tigers as the captain of the defense tallied 27 digs. Temi Fayiga added another double-double to her season total as she recorded 23 assists and 13 digs against the Muleriders. Joni Schneider gave the Tigers a spark of energy as she put in a career high four aces.
 
Ouachita started out hot in the first set taking a 9-5 lead behind two aces by Schneider. The Tigers allowed the Muleriders to overtake the lead and build a 19-16 advantage of their own. Led by Abby Cagle and Ferguson the Tigers mounted a 9-2 run to close out the set including taking the last five points in consecutive order. The team in purple and gold entered the second half high with confidence but succumbed defeat on a score of 25-22.
 
After a back and forth third set, Ouachita entered the fourth set with their backs against a wall. Down 2-1 in the match, the Tigers captured a quick 5-3 lead in the fourth frame. The Tigers went down 12-11 later in the set but then quickly slammed the door shut on the Muleriders. Using a 14-6 run the Tigers closed out the set tying the match and giving them life.
 
For the second game in a row the Tigers found themselves in a fifth set of a conference match that controlled their post season play, and for the second game in a row the Tigers lost the first few points. SAU grabbed the first two points before the Tigers started to fight back. Kills by Low, Ferguson and Audrey Gallagher gave Ouachita life as they went up 14-10, one point away from victory. The Muleriders scored three straight points forcing Ouachita to call timeout. The call was a good one as Emily Low fired a shot off of a Mulerider sending it into the stands to win the game.
 
The Tigers captured a lock into the Great American Conference Tournament and can still play their way into the seventh seed. Ouachita is now 7-2 on the year in games that go into five sets.
 
Ouachita is back in action at Sturgis Physical Education Center on Thursday, Nov. 14 to face off against Arkansas-Monticello for senior night. Come out at 6:00 p.m. to support your Tigers!