JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern State (0-1, 0-0 Mid-America Intercollegiate) fell to Southeastern Oklahoma State (1-0, 0-0 GAC) in a 3-1 decision at Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on Thursday night. Despite taking the first set 25-21, Southern struggled in later sets, with Southeastern Oklahoma securing the match with scores of 25-23, 25-19, and 25-16.
Ella Breazeale recorded eight kills on 16 attempts, achieving a .375 hitting percentage and contributing two solo blocks in the match.
Addysen Alvis led the Lions with 13 kills and added 12 digs to her performance, demonstrating versatility on the court.
Reagan Ashby made a substantial impact with 15 digs and also provided three service aces.
Brenna Weaver excelled in setting, distributing 40 assists.
Southern opened the first set with a strong start, capitalizing on an early attack error by Southeastern Oklahoma and securing a 4-0 lead with a service ace and a kill from Alvis. The team maintained momentum through the middle of the set, with Breazeale contributing critical kills and service aces to keep the scoring steady. Despite a push from Southeastern Oklahoma that narrowed the gap to 15-13, Southern responded effectively. Alvis and Breazeale continued to lead the offensive efforts, combining for several key points that helped extend the lead. The set concluded with a solid defensive block by Breazeale that sealed the set at 25-21, giving Southern an early advantage in the match.
Missouri Southern opened the second set with a quick point, but Southeastern Oklahoma responded with a series of successful plays, taking an early 2-0 lead. Alvis helped Missouri Southern regain momentum with two kills, leveling the score at 5-5 following a service ace by Ashby. The teams exchanged points throughout the middle of the set, with Breazeale contributing key kills to keep Missouri Southern in contention. Despite a brief lead at 16-15, Missouri Southern found themselves trailing again after a series of plays by Southeastern Oklahoma. In the final stretch, Missouri Southern tied the set at 23-23 with a kill from Breazeale. However, Southeastern Oklahoma closed the set with consecutive points, ending at 25-23.
In the third set, MSSU began with a service error that allowed Southeastern Oklahoma to take an early lead. Despite multiple kills from Alvis, Southern faced challenges breaking through the opponent's defense, with several scoring opportunities hindered by errors. Midway through the set, Southern gained some momentum with a series of points, including a block by Breazeale and another kill by Alvis, closing the gap slightly. However, Southeastern Oklahoma maintained its lead with effective plays from Rylee Jackson and Gabby Jones. As the set progressed, Southern made efforts to close the deficit with contributions from Alvis and Ashby. However, Southeastern Oklahoma capitalized on several kills by Sophee Dean to extend its lead. The set concluded with Southeastern Oklahoma clinching it 25-19.
Missouri Southern opened the fourth set with momentum, capitalizing on an attack error by Patience Lewis to secure the first point. Alvis then contributed two kills, helping the Lions keep pace early as the score reached 3-3. However, service errors allowed Southeastern Oklahoma to gain brief leads. Despite efforts by Alvis and Breazeale, Southern encountered challenges in stopping Gabby Jones and Rylee Jackson, who delivered key kills for Southeastern Oklahoma. A block by
Brenna Weaver provided a defensive highlight for Southern, but sustaining runs proved difficult as Southeastern Oklahoma extended its lead. Late in the set,
Epifania Salamasina added a kill to Southern's tally, but Southeastern Oklahoma's Jackson continued to capitalize on opportunities, closing the set with a series of successful plays. The set concluded with Southeastern Oklahoma ahead, 25-16.
Missouri Southern continues play in the Missouri Southern Invite tomorrow, with the Lions returning to the court at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
