WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Missouri Southern volleyball (6-10, 0-5 MIAA) fell to No. 24-ranked Central Missouri (12-3, 4-1 MIAA) in straight sets, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, Tuesday evening at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.
Tori Hamilton recorded 15 digs, providing strong defensive support for MSSU.
Hannah Allick contributed significantly with 22 assists and added a dig.
Fernanda Merancio led the team offensively with nine kills on 27 attempts, alongside a block.
Alana Moesch added to the effort by posting six kills and providing a defensive presence with six digs.
The Lions opened the first set at Central Missouri with an initial exchange of points, highlighted by Merancio's kill from Allick, leveling the score at 3-3. A series of errors from both teams kept the set close, with Missouri Southern briefly tying the match at 4-4. As the set progressed, UCM capitalized on their attacks, extending their lead to 9-6, with Emma Siron and Kaelyn McDonald contributing key kills.
MSSU responded with a three-point run to close the gap to 16-13, aided by a kill from
Addysen Alvis and a Jennies setting error. UCM then regained control, finishing the set on a dominant 9-1 run (25-14), supported by multiple kills from McDonald and Bria Dawson.
The second set began with a strong start for MSSU, as
Hanna Lauterbach recorded the first point with a kill set up by Allick. Merancio and Allick continued to connect effectively, contributing points that kept Missouri Southern competitive early on.
Despite their efforts, the Jennies capitalized on a series of service errors and strategic attacks to gradually build a lead. As the set progressed, Moesch and Lauterbach provided critical plays on both offense and defense, helping Missouri Southern close the gap with a late run that brought them within two points. Key kills by Moesch and an effective block by Lauterbach and
Epifania Salamasina highlighted this stretch. However, UCM managed to regain control, securing the set 25-20 with a consistent offensive push led by Siron.
In the third set, MSSU made a notable comeback attempt after UCM surged ahead with an early 6-0 lead. Lauterbach and Merancio spearheaded the response with key kills, closing the gap to 6-3. Missouri Southern continued to chip away, highlighted by
Kasey Goldberg's service ace and Moesch's attacking efforts, narrowing the score to 12-11. UCM regained control with a series of successful plays, extending their lead to 17-12. Despite strong offensive contributions from Merancio and Salamasina, Missouri Southern State could not halt UCM's momentum as they closed the set on a run, securing a 25-15 victory.
MSSU next returns home to host Newman and Pittsburg, Friday and Saturday, respectively, to conclude the week of MIAA play. Friday's contest is the Lions' Pink Game and match times are 6 p.m., CT and 3 p.m., respectively.
