No. 10 Aggies play for Turn it Gold on Friday night against Oklahoma
The Aggies are striking gold again.
In the wake of the intense Kentucky matchup, the Aggies went back to the mine and started digging for their rhythm again. They found it in Starkville, where the refocused Ags swiftly swept the Bulldogs.
Now, as the momentum returns, the Aggies must strike while the iron is hot.
No. 10 Texas A&M welcomes Oklahoma to Reed Arena on Friday night at 6:30 CT to let the SEC know that they are back in the swing.
“I don’t like losing,” head coach Jamie Morrison said. “Our team realizes how good they can be and what it takes.”
A&M (13-3, 5-1) will need to stay steady and sharp against a versatile Sooner squad. Like many SEC programs, Oklahoma (12-4, 4-2) runs a fast offensive system, which will challenge the Aggies at the net.
“Oklahoma’s a good volleyball team,” Morrison said. “They run a really fast offense and offer some challenges with that. They are also a tough serving team. We’ll have to game plan on that and make sure our passing game is doing exactly what it has done all season.”
Leading the Sooner squad is Alexis Shelton, a dynamic outside hitter and a recent SEC co-Offensive Player of the Week. Her quick-tempo attack makes her one of the key players to look out for in the matchup.
If A&M’s defense plays with patience and commitment, it will not be a problem.
The silencer, Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, is second in the conference in both blocks per set and total blocks.
Additionally, the matchup marks another reunion for middle blocker Morgan Perkins, who started her collegiate career in Norman. As a core piece of the Aggie defense, Perkins will look for any opportunity to strike gold against her former team.
Offensively, All-American Logan Lednicky has notched 80 kills in the past five matches, proving that she has found a consistent groove. Her 15 on Sunday pushed her into the program’s top-10 as she helps lead the efficient offense.
“She’s going to go down as one of the best players to play in a Maroon uniform,” Morrison said. “She has been the soul of what has carried this thing from where it was when I got here to where it is now.”
On Friday, there will be more than Maroon & White on display in Reed Arena. The Aggies are playing for Turn it Gold, a nonprofit dedicated to pediatric cancer awareness.
The philanthropic commitments of the program have served as a reminder that their strengths go beyond the skills on the court. It ensures that Morrison is helping the players grow internally and into good people.
“Gratitude and philanthropy are the gateways to happiness,” Morrison said. “I want my athletes to be able to go out, lead a fulfilling life and positively influence this world. It’s a huge piece of our program.”
Playing with meaning in their hearts, the Maroon & White are ready to strike gold when they face Oklahoma on Friday night.
