Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern volleyball team started hot, but couldn't stop a hot-hitting Missouri Western squad in sets two and three as the Lions lost 3-0 tonight in the MIAA opener for both teams at Young Gymnasium. Individual set scores were 23-25, 11-25 and 14-25. 

Southern (3-11, 0-1 MIAA) was led by Bailey Rexford as the junior had eight kills with eight digs. Christina Perlinger had six kills, while Alex Gepford and Alicia Pickett had three kills each. Whitney Harrison had 19 assists, while Monica White and Perlinger had three blocks each. 

Western (9-4, 1-0 MIAA) hit .319 in the match and .500 and .435 in the final two sets, respectively. The Griffons were led by 11 kills from Rachel Friedrichs. 

Both teams traded points in the first set. The opener featured 15 tied scores and seven lead changes. The Lions led 20-19 late, forcing a Western timeout. After Southern took a 23-21 lead, Western scored two-straight to force a Lions' timeout. The Griffons scored the final three points to take set one. 

Western controlled set two, leading from the opening serve and the Griffons led for all but three tied scores in the final set. 

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow when Southern plays host to Northwest Missouri. First serve is slated for 1 pm inside Young Gym.