Missouri volleyball used strong blocking play up front to power past the Arkansas Razorbacks in a 3-1 victory at Hearnes Center Sunday afternoon.
The two teams played neck and neck early in the first set before Missouri broke the deadlock with a 6-point-run led by the serves of redshirt freshman Kayla Caffey, which gave the Tigers a 17-11 lead. After the run, the Razorbacks made a push to get back into the set, but Missouri would hold on to win 25-20. In the second set, however, the Tigers could not carry over the momentum gained from the first set as Arkansas tied the match up, winning the set 25-23.
The third set was dominated by the Tigers, who jumped out to a 20-9 lead with a serving ace from redshirt senior Kira Larson. The Razorbacks mounted a small comeback but ultimately fell 25-18. The fourth set was again tight, but it was controlled by Missouri as the Tigers pulled away for the match win with a 25-17 set victory.
Mizzou’s blocking had the biggest impact on the match. The team’s 22 total blocks was its second-highest total of the season — it had 23 against Nevada on Sept. 15 — and the strong blocking had an enormous effect on the momentum of the match.
In the three sets the Tigers won, they averaged six total blocks, while the Razorbacks only averaged 1.33.
Junior Alyssa Munlyn recorded a team-high 13 total blocks and added eight kills, hitting .533. Larson led the Tigers in kills with 16 along with 13 digs and two aces, while senior Courtney Eckenrode tallied 32 assists.
Mizzou will remain at home for its final two regular-season matches. The Tigers will take on Alabama Wednesday at 5 p.m. CT and then Florida on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 1:30 p.m. CT.
_Edited by Eli Lederman | elederman@themaneater.com_