GOODWELL, Okla. — The Hesston College volleyball team closed out its regular season Tuesday, Nov. 3, with a three-set loss to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, falling 22-25, 17-25, 15-25.

The Larks battled throughout the opening set, trading points with the Aggies early before Oklahoma Panhandle State established a 14-10 advantage. Hesston stayed within striking distance, but the Aggies extended their lead to 23-16.

Hesston responded with a late rally, sparked by consecutive kills from Kennedie Esparza and strong defensive play at the net. Trailing 24-19, the Larks scored three straight points, including a block from Layla Romero and Delayna Kerry, to cut the deficit to 24-22. However, Oklahoma Panhandle State secured the final point to take the opening set, 25-22.

The Larks carried some momentum into the second set, jumping ahead 5-2 behind kills from Kerry and an Oklahoma Panhandle State attack error. The Aggies responded with five consecutive points to take a 7-5 lead.

Hesston continued battling, tying the set at 10-10 following a block from Romero and Addison Graves. Oklahoma Panhandle State then took control with a seven-point run to build a 17-10 advantage.

The Larks answered with a four-point stretch, highlighted by a kill from Esparza and back-to-back service aces from Lydia Foster, cutting the deficit to 17-15. However, the Aggies closed the set on an 8-2 run to claim a 25-17 victory.

In the third set, Hesston kept things close early, taking a 5-4 lead before Oklahoma Panhandle State responded with six consecutive points to move ahead 10-5.

The Aggies extended their lead to 16-10, but Hesston put together another rally. Esparza and Kerry combined for three kills during a four-point run that brought the Larks within two at 16-14.

Oklahoma Panhandle State regained control down the stretch, scoring nine of the final 10 points to finish the match with a 25-15 third-set victory.

Kerry and Esparza led Hesston offensively with seven kills apiece. Kerry also recorded 13 assists, four digs and two block assists, while Esparza added seven digs.

Sarahi Paez anchored the Larks' defense with a team-high 19 digs and four assists. Bethanie Haag contributed eight digs, while Rebekah Blackmer finished with seven assists and seven digs.

Romero led Hesston at the net with one solo block and three block assists, while Foster added three kills, four digs and two service aces.

Hesston finished with 26 kills, 51 digs and five team blocks, hitting .075 for the match. Oklahoma Panhandle State recorded 40 kills and nine service aces while hitting .188.

The Larks conclude the regular season with a 16-12 record and will now turn their attention to the Continental Athletic Conference Championship Tournament in Temple Terrace, Fla. Hesston will face tournament host Florida College in the opening round on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. EST (9 a.m. CST).