JOPLIN, Mo. – Missouri Southern Athletics has a busy week ahead as the Lions return to action across five sports, highlighted by the annual Southern Stampede cross country meet and the opening of MIAA play for volleyball, soccer and football. Women's golf hosts its MSSU Fall Invitational Monday and Tuesday to open the week. MSSU Athletics will also be at Third Thursday in Downtown Joplin from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Head football coach Atiba Bradley, center Gerardo Vazquez, Jr., and defensive back Ethan Altic spoke with the media on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, ahead of the Lions' MIAA opener at #7 Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 19. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. in Maryville, Missouri. Press Conference presented by Moe's Southwest Grill.
 
Women's Golf
Lions women's golf hosts the MSSU Fall Invitational Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 14–15, at Twin Hills Golf & Country Club in Joplin.

Volleyball
MSSU volleyball opens MIAA play Friday, Sept. 18, traveling to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to take on Northeastern State at 6 p.m., CT. The Lions remain on the road Saturday, Sept. 19, facing Arkansas Fort Smith at 1 p.m.

Soccer
Lions soccer returns home Friday, Sept. 18, hosting Washburn at 7:30 p.m., CT at Hal Bodon Field in MSSU's MIAA opener.

Cross Country
Missouri Southern hosts the Southern Stampede Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin. The women's 5K will start the event, followed by the men's 8K and then high school races. 

Football
Missouri Southern football opens MIAA play Saturday, Sept. 19, traveling to Maryville, Missouri, to face Northwest Missouri State at 1:30 p.m. The game will be available on the MIAA Network and SOMO Sports Radio.
 
Follow @mososports on social media and mssulions.com throughout the week for results, updates and additional coverage of Missouri Southern Athletics.

Fall Missouri Southern Tickets are currently on sale online. Fans can also purchase an MIAA Network subscription to support Missouri Southern Athletics and catch all the Lions action this 2026-27 season.
 
Women's Golf
MSSU Fall Invitational
Date/Time: Sept. 14-15
Location: Joplin, Mo. • Twin Hills Golf & Country Club
Live Stats 
   
Third Thursday
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Joplin
 
Volleyball
Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 18 • 6 p.m., CT
Location: Tahlequah, Okla.
Opponent: Northeastern State
Live Stats
Live Video

Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 19 • 1 p.m.
Location: Fort Smith, Ark.
Opponent: Arkansas Fort Smith
Live Stats
Live Video
 
Soccer
Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 18 • 7:30 p.m.
Location: Joplin, Mo. • Hal Bodon Field
Opponent: Washburn University
Live Stats
Live Video
Live Tickets
 
Men's & Women's Cross Country
Missouri Southern Stampede
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 19
Location: Joplin, Mo. • Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course
Live Stats
 
Football
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 19 • 1:30 p.m.
Location: Maryville, Mo.
Opponent: Northwest Missouri State
Live Stats
Live Video
Live Radio