Even with strong play from its freshmen, Missouri volleyball fell to host Arkansas in a straight sweep: 20-25, 20-25, 18-25, on Wednesday night.
The match featured tight sets and several lead changes, but the Razorbacks eventually pulled away each time. Missouri’s offensive inefficiency and errors prevented any chance of victory, while Arkansas used defense and a balanced attack to guide its success.
A trio of Missouri freshmen combined for 23 kills, while junior outside hitter Anna Dixon tacked on 6 kills. Leading the freshmen charge, middle blocker Kayla Burbage produced 8 kills with a .250 hitting percentage in her return to the lineup following a three game absence.
Freshman outside hitter Kaylee Cox added another 8 kills, while freshman right side hitter Jordan Iliff tallied 7 kills with a career-high 3 aces.
Arkansas junior outside hitter Maggie Cartwright led the Razorbacks with a well-rounded stat-line: 11 kills, a .500 hitting percentage, 4 aces, 3 block assists and 5 digs. Junior outside hitter Jillian Gillen, sophomore outside hitter Taylor Head and senior middle blocker Ellease Crumpton combined for 27 kills to sink the Tigers.
Arkansas enjoyed success from the service line with 7 aces, while its defense stepped up with 8 blocks. The offense produced a .295 hitting percentage and the Razorbacks capitalized late in each set to finish strong.
Missouri committed 20 attack errors and 9 service errors alongside a .110 hitting percentage: with reminders of its offensive troubles throughout the season.
The loss dropped Missouri to 4-19 (1-9 SEC), while Arkansas improved to 15-6 (6-4 SEC). The Tigers return home Saturday afternoon to face the University of Florida at 5 p.m. The match will be available on SEC+ and ESPN+.
Edited by Kyle Pinnell | kpinnell@themaneater.com