On Sunday, Oct. 27 in the Hearnes Center, No. 25 Missouri (14-4, 6-2 SEC) faced off against Mississippi State (12-10, 1-9 SEC). Coming off of a three set win against Arkansas, the Tigers continued their perfect performance ending the week with another sweep.
In the first set, the Tigers produced 16 kills compared to the Bulldogs’ eight. While seven errors did occur throughout the first set, regrouping was a recurring theme for Missouri. After eight tied scores and six lead changes, the Tigers pulled away and ended the first set 25-19.
“We were consistent from the get-go today,” coach Joshua Taylor said. “All five of our primary attackers hit above .340 today and four of those players hit .430-plus.”
Mississippi State attempted a comeback in the following set applying pressure which caused Missouri to commit seven more errors. The Tigers kept their composure and continued to produce on offensive hitting .438 and coming away with 21 total kills. After three set points for Missouri, it took away all hope for a comeback from the Bulldogs. The set ended with a score of 27-25.
The Tigers brought the broom out in set three. With juniors Kylie Deberg, Leketor Member-Meneh and Tyanna Omazic leading the offensive attack the Bulldogs couldn’t adjust enough to recover from dropping the first two sets. Deberg produced 14 kills, six digs, three total blocks and one ace. Member-Meneh was lights out against the Bulldogs tallying 13 kills out of 17 total attempts and hitting .765, a career-high for her. Omazic followed with 12 kills and three total blocks.
Missouri has now won four consecutive matches in Southeastern Conference play and been victorious in six of the last seven conference matchups. With this win over Mississippi State, the Tigers conclude the weekend perfectly.
“I was pleased with our offense’s consistency all weekend long,” Taylor said in a press release. “We got so many players doing great things at the moment. A true team effort.”
The Tigers will return to the Hearnes Center Wednesday, Oct. 30 in the evening to face off against No. 13 Florida. The first serve is scheduled for 8 p.m. CDT. The top 25 matchup will be broadcasted live on ESPNU.
_Edited by Emily Leiker | eleiker@themaneater.com_
