The Missouri Tigers fell to the No. 2-ranked Kentucky Wildcats in four sets on Senior Night, falling to 16-9 on the season and 7-6 in conference play.
Despite the Thursday night loss, Missouri played a competitive four sets, something senior Maya Sands and the Tigers should be proud of.
“It’s very sad, it’s our last time playing in the Hearnes, but I’m honestly just very proud of how we played in that game,” Sands said. “They’re the No. 2 team in the nation, and I feel like we were right there.”
Sands turned in an all-too-familiar performance for Missouri with a game-high 18 digs, along with her first kill of the season. The two-time Southeastern Conference Libero of the Year’s 452 digs lead the Tigers and the conference.
Senior Caylen Alexander put on a clinic for Missouri, recording a game-high 22 kills on a .212 hitting percentage. Alexander has recorded 20 or more kills in three of her last five games.
Missouri’s three other seniors all played big shots roles in the contest — Janet deMarrais’ 13 kills and two blocks ranked second for the team, while Tyrah Ariail was next up with 10 kills and two blocks. Regan Haith added seven kills and two blocks to the fray.
Missouri got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 7-4 lead in the first set. Kentucky responded right back with a 6-1 run and took a 10-8 lead, one they would not relinquish for the rest of the set. Kentucky held the Tigers to a .081 hitting percentage in the first set with five blocks and took the opening frame 25-19. The Wildcats would end the contest with nine more total blocks than the Tigers.
The second set was defined by Alexander, who recorded 10 kills in what was an explosive performance from Missouri. The Tigers jumped out to an early lead and slowly kept building with relentless pressure at the net, eventually taking a 25-18 victory and tying the match 1-1.
The third set was close throughout, with both sides going on timely runs to stay in the game. While Missouri tied the set up in multiple instances, including the 23-point mark, the team succumbed from playing from behind for too long and fell to Kentucky in a 25-23 loss, the closest of the match.
With their backs against the wall, the Tigers got out to a 10-6 lead in the fourth set. The Wildcats, however, remained persistent, rattling off a 7-1 run and taking a 14-13 lead. While Missouri tied the score at 19 late in the match, the Wildcats proved their ranking and went on a 5-1 run to secure a 25-20 victory over the Tigers.
Despite the loss, and the last performance at Hearnes Center for the five Missouri seniors, the team still has its eyes on what’s ahead.
“I don’t think we’ve really felt everything that we needed to feel yet, but that’s because we know we have more to do,” deMarrais said. “We beg each other for the time in there, and those are memories we’re gonna keep with us forever. But also we can use tonight as just another piece to work off of, and we know that there’s work to do.”
Tigers will continue their season in Starkville, Mississippi to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.