Junior libero Lauren Forbes(left) and Junior Morgan Isenberg (right) get ready to run out on the court on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, Mo. The Missouri Tigers defeated South Carolina for their first SEC win of the year.
Despite a tougher third set, the Tigers grabbed their first SEC win of the season in the Hearnes Center.
In its SEC home opener, Missouri volleyball defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks with a final set count of 3-1.
After a slow first couple points, junior right side Jordan Iliff got the ball rolling, with the teams being neck and neck for most of the first half. Despite some great blocks and digs from the Gamecock’s defense, Missouri knocked in some powerful hits and aces. After hitting a 18-11 lead, it seemed like the Tigers weren’t letting the Gamecocks through. The Tigers took the set, 25-15.
The start of set two proved just like the first, with Missouri unable to finish important rallies and get hits through the South Carolina defense. However, by the ninth point, the Tigers tied it back up. Due to important blocks and hits, Missouri was able to dominate the competitive battle throughout the set. Missouri grabbed the set, 25-18.
Set three found the Tigers struggling to overcome South Carolina’s strong offensive efforts. Sophomore outside hitter Janet deMarrais was able to make some moves in the set with powerful hits and blocks. South Carolina responded with great plays from junior middle Oby Anadi. Missouri also subbed graduate middle Colleen Finney for sophomore middle Madilyn Sell in the set. The skill both teams showed throughout the first two sets came out to play, but in the end, South Carolina overpowered Missouri to win the set, 25-23.
After robbing Missouri of a swept game, the Tigers came out swinging, taking an early lead in set four. Freshman defensive specialist Kaylen Rush hit a huge serving streak, knocking a couple aces. However, Missouri lost some traction with South Carolina making great blocks against Iliff and graduate outside hitter Dilara Gedikolu, shrinking its lead to just 19-18. In the end, Missouri’s hunger to win allowed the Tigers to win the set, 25-22.
This win brings Missouri’s record to 9-4, matching the amount of wins the team earned in 2022. This was also the first time since 2019 that the Tigers beat the Gamecocks at home. Missouri knocked down 60 kills and 10 aces throughout the four sets, with Iliff hitting a career-high 21 kills and deMarrais hitting three aces herself. Sophomore libero Maya Sands once again led the team in digs with 24. This was the fifth game where she reached a 20 plus dig count.
The Gamecocks will head to Ole Miss on Friday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. for their third SEC challenge. Next, Missouri will head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to face LSU on Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Edited by Chase Gemes | cgemes@themaneater.com
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Edited by Sophie Rentschler | srentschler@themaneater.com