The Missouri volleyball team played another strong game against Arkansas, sweeping the Razorbacks to extend its win streak to 10 games and remain undefeated in the Southeastern Conference. This was the Tigers’ sixth double-digit winning streak since the 2000 season.
Mizzou started off relatively strong in the first set, winning 25-19. Junior Melanie Crow tallied two aces for the Tigers, and Courtney Eckenrode also tallied an ace. The Razorbacks struggled to perform offensively, as the Tigers were big at the net and had several key blocks. Arkansas also missed serves, helping the Tigers to their first-set victory.
The second set was key for the match as the score rallied back and forth between the two teams. Senior Carly Kan started Mizzou off with an ace, and from there on the game was intense. Each team took leads away from each other point after point. Mizzou started to struggle on both offense and defense, but the team battled back late in the set. The set ended with a 31-29 Missouri win in extra points, keeping the possibility of a Tiger sweep alive.
In the third set, Mizzou came out dominant and ready to win. Arkansas continued to miss serves, helping the Tigers even more. Blocking was strong for the Tigers as the team earned several stops against the Razorbacks. Crow would once again earn two aces, and the Tigers continued to mesh well offensively. The third set would go to the Tigers 25-12, and Mizzou continues to remain undefeated in the SEC with its seventh consecutive sweep.
As a team, the Tigers had a successful overall match. The team tallied 13 blocks and caused Arkansas to make 23 attack errors. Individually, the Tigers shined as well. Five different players recorded a solo block, and Kan and senior Emily Thater led the pack with two solo blocks each. Sophomore Alyssa Munlyn helped offensively with eight kills and junior Kira Larson contributed six kills. Eckenrode shone offensively with 26 assists, two kills and seven digs.
“We need to remain focused on playing at a high level,” coach Wayne Kreklow said.
For their next SEC matchup, the Tigers will travel to Alabama on Oct. 16. The first serve will be at 1:30 p.m. Mizzou will return home Oct. 19 to take on Louisiana State, followed by another home match on Oct. 23 against Kentucky.
_Edited by Peter Baugh | pbaugh@themaneater.com_