Joplin, Mo. - Breaking up a couple lengthy road trips out west, the Lions played a mid-week match against Northwest Missouri State. Tuesday marked the second meeting between the teams this fall, as MSSU upset the #18 Bearcats on their home court mid September. NWMSU took the second match 3-2 to even the series on the year. With the loss, Southern moves to 12-9 (5-7 MIAA) on the season.
Off to a hot start, the Lions took a 2-0 lead after winning the first set 25-21 and the second set 25-17. The Bearcats responded with a 25-20 third set win, and held on 31-29 for a fourth set win, despite a late push by the Lions. In similar fashion, the fifth set was back and forth, eventually falling in favor of the Bearcats 15-13.
Fernanda Canedo had a match-high 19 kills, and 16 digs to make it a double-double. Not far behind was
Jaryn Benning with 17 kills, 9 digs, and 4 blocks.
Landrey VanOverschelde led both teams in the assist column, finishing with 52. She also had 18 digs to record a double-double.
Amelia Neels led the Lions with 6 blocks, also finishing with 5 service aces.
Missouri Southern will hit the road for their next two competitions, facing Emporia State and Washburn on their home courts. Those matches will be played on Friday, October 20 at 6:00 PM and Saturday, October 21 at 6:00 PM respectively.
