Sophomore defensive specialist Sarah Meister has been suspended indefinitely from the Missouri volleyball team following a driving under the influence arrest just after midnight Saturday.

Early Thursday morning, the team released a statement in response to an inquiry by The Maneater:

“We are aware of the incident and are in the process of gathering all of the facts. Sarah has been indefinitely suspended from the team in the time being.”

According to an email from Public Information Officer Jill Schlude of the Columbia Police Department, Meister, 19, was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated, minor in possession of alcohol by consumption and a traffic violation at approximately 12:40 a.m. Aug. 18 at the 400 block of Rollins Road, hours after the Tigers’ annual Black and Gold scrimmage. She posted bond for $500.

Schlude said an officer made observations and conducted a field sobriety test. Meister, who was in an unidentified vehicle accompanied by an unidentified male, was also cooperative in a breath test. Schlude added that the case was still active.

Meister, a native of San Diego, Calif., was expected to play a larger role for the Tigers in the 2012 season, following a freshman campaign where she played 121 sets (more than any returning defensive specialist) in 10 starts and recorded 224 digs. Entering the season, she was the favorite for the starting defensive specialist spot. Her suspension opens the door for sophomores Jade Hayes, who spent her freshman season developing as a defensive specialist, and Niki Collier, who made no starts last year.

Missouri begins its season on Friday at 12:30 p.m. against North Florida in the annual Tiger Invitational at the Hearnes Center.