Missouri volleyball, now with a  9-5 record, added a second SEC loss of the season after a sweep by No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats. 

The Tigers went into the match looking to bounce back after giving up a 2-0 set lead against Texas A&M. However, they had a large hurdle to overcome facing a top-15 team on the road. 

The first set started competitively as both teams had responses for one another. A 10-4 run for the Wildcats gave them a comfortable lead in the first set. Kentucky continued not to let up and they won the first set, 25-18.

Middle blocker Regan Haith and outside hitter Mychael Vernon each had two blocks for the Tigers in the first set.

The second set went down to the wire, as Missouri was able to tie it up multiple times. Late in the set, the Wildcats went on a crucial 4-0 run that separated them from the Tigers. After an attack error by outside hitter Janet deMarrais, the Wildcats clinched the third set, winning 25-20.

Looking for a sweep, the Wildcats took control of the third set with a 4-0 run and never looked back. Missouri went on their own a 4-0 run late in the set to cut the Wildcats’ lead to only two. Due to an attack error by Vernon, Kentucky responded to seal up the 25-21 victory and the 3-0 sweep.

Right side Jordan Iliff had a season-low with four kills, adding to the Tigers’ disappointing .103 hitting percentage. The Tigers also finished with 21 errors in the match. These are some of the worst numbers the Tigers have produced in the early 2024 season.

Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye had an impressive match for the Wildcats with 12 kills and a .435 hitting percentage. 

The Tigers started their homestand this week with a non-conference win against Southeast Missouri 3-0.

Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com