SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Drury defeated Missouri Southern State University 3-0 on Tuesday night at the O'Reilly Family Event Center, winning by scores of 25-23, 25-20, and 25-21. Missouri Southern State recorded a .269 hitting percentage, highlighted by a first set with 15 kills.
Missouri Southern State holds an overall record of 8-13 and is 2-7 in Mid-America Intercollegiate play. Drury has a 13-7 overall record and is 3-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
Addysen Alvis led the offensive charge with 14 kills on 33 attacks, hitting .364.
Alana Moesch contributed significantly with 9 kills and 3 service aces, totaling 12 points.
Hannah Allick facilitated the offense with 21 assists and added 7 digs defensively.
Fernanda Merancio also made an impact with 11 kills on 22 swings, contributing 11.5 points overall.
The first set began with the Lions taking an early lead, capitalizing on a service error and a kill from Merancio. The teams exchanged points, with Alvis and Moesch contributing crucial kills to keep the score tight. As the set progressed, the Lions built momentum with a series of kills from Merancio and Alvis, gaining a 16-12 advantage following a service ace by
Mataiya Barber. However, Drury responded, narrowing the gap with consistent offensive plays. In the final stretch, the teams battled point-for-point. Despite a late push from the Lions, including a kill from Alvis to tie the score at 22, Drury edged ahead. The set concluded at 25-23 in favor of Drury after a kill from Mailie Chretien sealed the set.
The Lions started the second set with an early advantage, highlighted by a kill from Merancio, assisted by
Tori Hamilton, and a service ace from Moesch, taking a quick 2-0 lead. Alvis contributed significantly with multiple kills, but the team faced challenges maintaining momentum as Drury responded effectively to close the gap and eventually take a lead. In the middle of the set, the Lions remained competitive, with Merancio and Alvis continuing to deliver effective attacks. Despite their efforts, Drury capitalized on several opportunities, extending their lead and maintaining pressure. The set concluded with the Lions falling short at 25-20, as Drury secured the set with a final block point.
The Lions began the third set with momentum, as Merancio and Alvis each recorded kills with assists from Allick, keeping the team within reach at 5-3. However, Drury responded with a series of successful plays, gradually extending their lead. The Lions made a push midway through the set with Moesch contributing crucial kills, including a service ace that brought the score to 17-20. Despite efforts by Merancio and Alvis to close the gap, Drury managed to capitalize on attack errors and maintain their edge. In the closing stages, the Lions continued to battle, with late kills from Alvis narrowing the deficit. However, Drury secured the set 25-21 following a final attack error from Moesch, concluding the set and the match.
