JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern (8-10, 2-5 Mid-America Intercollegiate) edged out Pittsburg (8-9, 2-5 Mid-America Intercollegiate) in a five-set thriller at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium, taking the match 25-16, 25-23, 23-25, 20-25, 15-11.
Hannah Allick led the offense for the Lions with 33 assists over five sets.
Alana Moesch contributed significantly with 20 kills and added 15 digs, finishing with a team-high 20.5 points and achieving a Double Double in the process. Additionally,
Mataiya Barber also achieved a double double with 24 assist and 10 digs.
Addysen Alvis also made a substantial impact, tallying 19 kills and 20 points across the sets.
Tori Hamilton was a key defensive player, recording 17 digs to aid the team's defensive efforts.
Missouri Southern State began the first set with an initial advantage, capitalizing on an attack error by Pittsburg State's Vix Vilott to open the scoring. The Lions maintained momentum through effective plays by
Fernanda Merancio and Allick, advancing the score to 6-3. Moesch contributed significantly with multiple kills, extending the lead to 14-7. Pittsburg attempted a comeback with contributions from Don'Yah Cosie and Anna Dean, narrowing the gap to 14-10. However, the Lions' defense held firm, with
Ella Breazeale and Merancio forming a crucial block. The Lions continued to capitalize on Pittsburg's errors, and Moesch's consistent performance helped sustain the lead. As the set progressed, Missouri Southern's balanced attack, led by Moesch and Alvis, proved decisive. The Lions closed the set with a 25-16 victory, establishing a strong start in the match.
The second set opened with Missouri Southern seizing momentum through a series of early errors by Pittsburg, leading to a 4-1 advantage. Alvis and
Epifania Salamasina capitalized with key kills, maintaining the lead despite brief responses from Pittsburg. Midway through, consecutive successful plays by Alvis, along with assists from
Mataiya Barber, extended the Lions' lead to 19-12. Barber's contributions in this set were crucial as she also achieved a Double Double in the match. Pittsburg then mounted a comeback with a series of points to close the deficit to 19-18. However, Allick's setting facilitated crucial kills by Alvis, Merancio, and
Hanna Lauterbach, allowing the Lions to regain control. Despite a late push from Pittsburg, which brought the score to 24-23, the Lions secured the set with a final kill by Merancio, concluding the set at 25-23.
The third set began with Missouri Southern taking early control, leveraging a series of effective plays. Merancio and Alvis contributed with decisive kills, and the team capitalized on Pittsburg's errors to establish a 3-0 lead. Moesch and Lauterbach also added critical points, helping the Lions maintain their advantage to 14-6. Pittsburg responded with a determined run, narrowing the gap to 14-11, behind effective serves from Jesa Wallace and kills from Maliyah Johnson and Anna Dean. Missouri Southern fought back, extending their lead to 19-14 with contributions from Merancio and Moesch. However, a series of attack errors allowed Pittsburg to rally, eventually tying the score at 21-21. In the final moments, despite a late kill from Barber, Pittsburg edged ahead. Johnson's consistent play and a final kill from Vilott sealed the set for Pittsburg, who closed the set with a narrow 25-23 victory.
In the fourth set, the Lions started with momentum as Moesch registered an early kill, and Alvis contributed with key plays to advance the score. A service ace by Barber helped them extend their lead to 7-2. However, Pittsburg responded, narrowing the gap with a series of blocks and kills, eventually tying the game at 9-9. The Lions briefly regained the lead with contributions from Merancio and Alvis. Despite their efforts, Pittsburg's consistent play and a service ace from Dean pushed them to lead 16-14. The Lions kept competing, with Alvis adding another kill to keep the contest tight. As the set progressed, Pittsburg found success with significant contributions from Johnson and Kennedy Behnke, ultimately securing the set with a 25-20 victory over the Lions.
In the decisive fifth set, Missouri Southern surged ahead early, capitalizing on a series of effective plays. Allick facilitated the offense, assisting kills by Lauterbach, Merancio, and Moesch to establish a 3-1 lead. The team continued to press forward, with Breazeale and Merancio adding points, pushing the score to 8-2. Pittsburg attempted to narrow the gap, achieving several points through Maddi LaPointe and Behnke. However, Missouri Southern countered with a strong defensive presence, as blocks by Moesch and Breazeale stifled the opponent's momentum. Moesch and Merancio contributed additional kills, maintaining a steady lead. As the set neared its end, Missouri Southern effectively sealed the match with a final block by Breazeale, closing the set 15-11. This victory highlighted Missouri Southern's ability to capitalize on key opportunities and maintain composure under pressure.
The Lions take the court next in a road game against Washburn University this coming Friday, October 17 in Topeka, Kansas.
