JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern volleyball (8-14, 2-8 MIAA) fell to Central Missouri (15-5, 7-3 MIAA) in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, 25-23, Friday evening at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
MSSU matched the Jennies with 39 kills each over the MIAA match.
The Lions now hold an overall record of 8-14 and a conference record of 2-8 in the MIAA standings. Central Missouri now has an overall record of 15-5 with a 7-3 mark in conference play.
Tori Hamilton contributed defensively with 15 digs and added six assists.
Alana Moesch led the attack with 11 kills while also collecting 11 digs.
Hannah Allick orchestrated the offense with 20 assists and delivered two service aces.
Fernanda Merancio tallied 15 kills and was involved in a trio of blocks.
Southern began the first set strong, starting with a lineup featuring Hamilton, Allick, and Moesch. Early in the set, the Jennies established a lead, but Missouri Southern responded with a series of points, including kills by Merancio and
Addysen Alvis, closing the gap to 7-7.
Building momentum, MSSU tied the score again at 22-22 with contributions from Merancio and Alvis. Despite these efforts, the Jennies edged ahead in the final moments, securing the set 25-23.
UCM opened the second set with a series of strong plays, quickly advancing to a 3-0 lead. Missouri Southern responded with a block by
Tiana Simmons and Merancio to earn its first point, but the Jennies maintained their edge, extending their lead to 7-2.
Merancio consistently found opportunities to score, delivering multiple kills with assists from Allick, which helped narrow the gap to 12-9. However, the Jennies countered with effective kills and service aces to further their lead to 17-10.
Despite Missouri Southern's efforts, including a service ace by Hamilton and crucial kills by Moesch, the Jennies sustained their advantage. MSSU cut the deficit to 24-19 with a late surge, but the Jennies closed the set with a decisive kill, taking it 25-19.
The third set began with Missouri Southern gaining early momentum through an attack error by Rachel Ziesman and a service ace by Allick, giving the Lions a quick 2-0 lead. However, after a service error, the Jennies responded with a series of points to take control. MSSU managed to cut the deficit to 5-3 with a service error from Kaelyn McDonald and a kill from Alvis.
The Jennies capitalized on a few errors from Missouri Southern, extending their lead to 10-7. Moesch and Merancio delivered crucial kills to keep the score close. A block by
Ella Breazeale and Alvis reduced the visitor's momentum momentarily, but the Jennies maintained a narrow advantage at 16-14.
In the closing moments, MSSU mounted a late 4-0 run, highlighted by kills from Merancio and Breazeale, reducing the gap to 24-23. Despite the surge, the Jennies secured the set with a final kill by Ziesman, concluding the match at 25-23 in favor of the visitors.
MSSU next hosts Arkansas Fort Smith in a Halloween matchup at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on Friday, Oct. 31. First service is set for 6 p.m., CT.
