Joplin, Mo. - The Lions closed out the Southern Invite with two sweeps on the day, defeating Southern Arkansas and Southwest Baptist 3-0 each. With the two wins today and the two from yesterday, this marks the program's first 4-0 start since the 2010 season.
MSSU vs. Southern Arkansas
The Lions picked up from where they left off yesterday, jumping to a 6-0 start in their first match of day two of the Southern Invite. Controlling the whole first set, MSSU scored five of the last six points for a 25-11 final. Although SAU took the first point of the second set, the Lions scored six straight to take another commanding lead. They held a comfortable lead for the remainder of the second set, winning it 25-16. The third set was much closer, but MSSU came out on top, 25-23 to seal the match.
Hannah Allick recorded her second double-double of the weekend with 16 assists and 12 digs.
Kyra Thomas had a .615 attack percentage and finished with nine kills.
MSSU vs. Southwest Baptist
In the final match of the tournament, the 3-0 Lions met the 3-0 Bearcats in what felt like a championship game. SBU jumped ahead first, but a four point run by MSSU in the middle shifted momentum. The teams continued back and forth until Southern claimed the first set 25-20. Again in the second set it was the Bearcats taking an early lead, and again around the same time the Lions won eight of nine points to pull ahead. SBU made a solid comeback, but MSSU held on for the 25-23 win. The third set was a thriller that saw Southern trailing until the score read 19-18, outside of the first point. The Bearcats had the advantage on the set point a few times, but
Alana Moesch and
Fernanda Canedo kept the team alive with timely kills. It was
Amelia Neels that sealed the victory for Southern, getting the assist from
Hannah Allick to end the set 28-26, and the match 3-0.
Two Lions recorded double-doubles,
Hannah Allick (33 assists, 13 digs) and
Fernanda Canedo (13 kills, 16 digs). Alana Moesh had an attack percentage of .310 with 11 kills and
Kyra Thomas had an attack percentage of .320 with 10 kills.
The team will head to St. Augustine, FL for their next competition, playing in the Flagler Saints Classic. Taking place on September 8-9, the Lions will play in four matches starting with Embry-Riddle at 10:00 AM CST on the 8th.
