JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern (9-14, 3-8 MIAA) defeated Arkansas Fort Smith (13-11, 3-8 MIAA) in four sets on Friday at the Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium, with scores of 25-19, 12-25, 25-19, and 25-22. The Lions recorded 59 kills, led by a strong performance in the first and third sets.
Missouri Southern initiated the match with steady play, taking an early lead thanks to an attack error by Ark.-Fort Smith.
Fernanda Merancio and
Ella Breazeale contributed early kills, helping the home team maintain momentum.
Mataiya Barber's entry proved influential, as she assisted in several scoring plays, allowing the Lions to extend their advantage.
Alana Moesch showcased strong offensive skills with multiple kills as Southern widened the gap to a 16-8 lead. Despite some errors, the team maintained control with timely kills from
Addysen Alvis and
Tiana Simmons, keeping Ark.-Fort Smith at bay. As Ark.-Fort Smith attempted a late rally, Moesch and Merancio's steady play sealed the period, securing a 25-19 victory. The Lions closed the set with a decisive kill by Merancio, setting a positive tone for the match.
Missouri Southern began the second period facing a surge from Arkansas-Fort Smith, who capitalized on multiple scoring opportunities to establish an early lead. Despite kills from Moesch and Alvis, MSSU struggled to maintain momentum as UAFS extended their advantage with a series of kills and a service ace. Midway through the period, the Lions attempted to rally with contributions from
Anny Montano and Breazeale, narrowing the deficit slightly. However, UAFS maintained pressure, benefiting from several MSSU attack errors and a blocking presence that stifled the home team's attempts to close the gap. The period concluded with Arkansas-Fort Smith solidifying their lead, capturing the set 25-12, despite MSSU's efforts to respond through isolated scoring plays.
The third period began with Southern showcasing their offensive strength. Simmons and Alvis started the scoring with kills, both assisted by
Hannah Allick, giving the home team an early lead. The Lions maintained momentum with Breazeale and Moesch contributing crucial points, including a block error by the opponent that extended their advantage. Midway through the period, Missouri Southern established control with a series of successful plays. Alvis and Moesch delivered multiple kills, further widening the gap. Despite a brief push from Ark.-Fort Smith, Southern capitalized on several errors by the visitors, including service and attack errors, to maintain their lead. The home team closed the period effectively, with Alvis and Moesch continuing to pressure the opponent's defense. Although Ark.-Fort Smith rallied with a few late points, Southern secured the period 25-19 with Moesch's final kill, taking advantage of a block error by Crystal Smith.
Missouri Southern began the fourth period with an early kill by Merancio, setting the tone for a tightly contested set. Alvis contributed significantly, registering multiple kills to advance the home team's lead. The Lions capitalized on Arkansas-Fort Smith errors, with Breazeale and Montano teaming up for critical blocks, pushing the score to 8-5. Momentum shifted briefly as Arkansas-Fort Smith managed to tie the score at 8-8, but Missouri Southern quickly regained control. Moesch's offensive prowess was evident, adding crucial points through well-placed kills. Simmons and Merancio's defensive efforts thwarted several Arkansas-Fort Smith attacks, maintaining a narrow lead at 13-11. As the set progressed, Southern extended their advantage with key contributions from Alvis and Moesch, who consistently thwarted the visitors' attempts to close the gap. Despite a late rally from Arkansas-Fort Smith narrowing the score to 24-22, a final attack error by Lydia Pitts secured the Lions' 25-22 victory in the fourth period.
Southern next takes the court Saturday against the University of Central Oklahoma.
