FORT SMITH, Ark. — Ark.-Fort Smith (10-5, 2-2 Mid-America Intercollegiate) defeated Missouri Southern State (6-9, 0-4 Mid-America Intercollegiate) in four sets at Stubblefield Center on Saturday afternoon, securing the victory with scores of 25-23, 25-18, 10-25, 25-15.

Missouri Southern State holds a 6-9 overall record and is 0-4 in Mid-America Intercollegiate play. Ark.-Fort Smith has a 10-5 overall record and is 2-2 in Mid-America Intercollegiate competition.

Alana Moesch led the Lions with 17 kills and contributed four service aces, finishing with 21.5 total points. Tori Hamilton was a defensive standout, recording 20 digs over four sets. Ella Breazeale contributed significantly at the net, tallying five blocks to assist the team's defensive efforts. Hannah Allick facilitated the offense with 15 assists, providing key support in setting opportunities.

The first set between the Lions and Ark.-Fort Smith began with Missouri Southern taking an early lead, fueled by Hamilton's service ace and Moesch's offensive contributions. Moesch recorded multiple kills, contributing to the Lions' momentum as they opened a 6-2 advantage. The Lions maintained a slight edge until late in the set. Despite their efforts, Ark.-Fort Smith managed a late surge, taking the first set 25-23.

In the second set, the Lions opened with a balanced attack as Moesch delivered a kill from Allick to tie the score early at 1-1. Despite a series of service errors from both teams, Moesch continued to be a key offensive player, adding multiple kills throughout the set. However, Ark.-Fort Smith capitalized on errors and timely blocks, extending their lead to 15-8. The Lions attempted to close the gap with a block by Anny Montano and Breazeale, reducing the deficit to 16-12. Fernanda Merancio contributed with a kill, but Ark.-Fort Smith maintained momentum, ultimately closing the set with a 25-18 victory. The Lions showed resilience but faced challenges in overcoming the defensive plays by the home team.

The Lions opened the third set with a critical shift in momentum, quickly overcoming an early two-point deficit. Moesch and Merancio sparked the offense, each contributing key kills with assists from Allick, leveling the score at 3-3. A series of errors by the opposition allowed Missouri Southern to edge ahead, taking a 4-3 lead. Building on this momentum, Missouri Southern capitalized on further errors by Fort Smith. Montano and Breazeale added kills, propelling the team to a 6-5 advantage. During a decisive stretch, the visitors extended their lead to 15-6, as Moesch, Montano, and Breazeale consistently found gaps in the defense, with Reagan Ashby's service ace highlighting the run. Missouri Southern continued to dominate, widening the margin to 20-8. A strong defensive presence and efficient attacking from Moesch and Merancio solidified the lead. The set concluded with Merancio's kill, assisted by Addysen Alvis, securing a 25-10 victory in the set.

The fourth set began with a swift exchange as the Lions equalized quickly after an early point for Arkansas-Fort Smith. Alvis's kill, assisted by Allick, and a service ace by Hamilton briefly put the Lions ahead 2-1. However, the set took a challenging turn for the Lions following a series of attack errors and effective blocks by Fort Smith, allowing the home team to construct a 7-point run. The Lions attempted to shift the momentum with strategic substitutions, and Kasey Goldberg's presence on the court catalyzed a brief recovery. Errors by Fort Smith contributed to the Lions closing the gap slightly, reducing the deficit to 14-8 with points from Epifania Salamasina and others. However, Fort Smith responded efficiently with strong offensive plays, extending their lead. Despite a resilient effort from the Lions, including points from assists by Mataiya Barber and Hamilton, Fort Smith maintained control. A final kill by Crystal Smith sealed the set at 25-15 in favor of Fort Smith, concluding the match with a decisive victory for the home team.