Joplin, Mo. - The 2023 regular season came to an end for the Missouri Southern Lions on Friday, falling to the #10 nationally ranked Nebraska-Kearney Lopers. With the loss, the Lions head into the MIAA tournament with a 15-14 (8-12 MIAA) record. Seniors
Jaryn Benning,
Fernanda Canedo, and
Amelia Neels were recognized prior to the match.
Most of the first set was a back and forth battle between the teams, eventually taken by the Lopers 25-22. The Lions had a 4-1 start to the second set, but it featured much of the same equal action. Southern went on a 6-0 stretch midway through the set, but the Lopers fought back to take it 25-22. The momentum was in UNK's favor following the close first and second set wins, helping them seal the match victory with a 25-16 third set final.
Leaders for the Lions:
Kills:
Fernanda Canedo (10),
Alana Moesch (10)
Assists:
Hannah Allick (21)
Digs:
Kyla Randall (19)
Blocks:
Amelia Neels (6)
The Lions have secured the #7 seed in the MIAA tournament, but the complete seeding is not yet final. Following the conclusion of the regular season for all MIAA teams, the complete tournament seeding and schedule will be announced. With the #7 seed, Missouri Southern will play the #2 seed on Thursday, November 16 at 12:00 PM. The tournament will be hosted at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri.
