With the end nearing, the Missouri volleyball team continues to strengthen their post-season prospects with a final road win against Ole Miss.
The victory wasn’t perfect, as Mizzou coach Wayne Kreklow recognizes the team came out “flat” as they dropped the first set 18-25. The Tigers were unable to get into rhythm given the Rebels’ versatile offense. Four Ole Miss players earned three plus kills in a single set.
However, at the turn of the set, the Tiger’s defense stepped up to limit those hitters.
By the end of the second set, Missouri’s net players totaled 11.5 blocks. These defensive stops added to the team’s lead that ultimately tied things up.
“Our defense really stepped up in set two and that really altered Ole Miss’ strategy the rest of the way,” Kreklow said.
Although the third set brought a slow offensive start for both teams, it required extra points to declare a winner. Junior Carly Kan’s nine kills set the pace for Missouri’s offense.
After a competitive third game, the Tigers did not struggle in the fourth game. They racked up a double digit lead early and held on to win by 13.
The Tigers will come home for their final two games of the regular season, including senior night against South Carolina on Friday.
With a 25-4 overall record and a second place standing in the Southeastern Conference, the team’s postseason prospects seem high, as selection Sunday is in less than a week.