Despite a valiant effort from Illinois State University, Missouri volleyball took down the Redbirds with a score of 3-1 on Friday in their home opener.  

The Tigers struggled coming into the first set, as mistakes and a strong offense from the Redbirds prevented the Tigers from taking control. However, Missouri was able to regain momentum through strong offensive players such as junior right side Jordan Iliff. It was Missouri’s ability to create kill opportunities that let the Tigers win the set, 25-23. 

In set two, Missouri once again could not keep control of the set. Any momentum they generated was cut-down by strong offensive plays by ISU or a Tiger mistake. They gave easy points to the Redbirds by not making kills and missing key blocks and defensive moments. Eventually, the mistakes piled up, and Missouri lost the second set, 27-25. 

Set three was a breakthrough for the Tigers. They were finishing rallies and scoring kills like a well-oiled machine. Iliff and graduate middle Colleen Finney worked together exceptionally well on the front line, putting points on the board for the team. Missouri won the set 25-19. 

The Tigers started the fourth set slow, but finished strong. Killer aces from sophomore libero Maya Sands and graduate outside hitter Dilara Gedikogolu were the highlights of the final set. The Tigers clinched the victory with a 25-19 win in the set. 

After an impressive four sets, Iliff led the Tigers in kills with 19 out of the 59 total. Gedikogolu had three of the seven aces of the game and 10 kills, contributing significantly to the team’s strong performance. Freshman setter Sierra Dudley brought in 19 digs therefore proving she’s a key player in the Missouri defense. This win brings Missouri’s record to 1-0 and ISU’s down to 0-1. 

ISU has their next game in the Mizzou Classic tournament Saturday, Aug. 26 against Central Arkansas. Missouri also has a quick turn around with their game two of the tournament on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. They’ll also be facing Central Arkansas.