Prior to its 3-0 win over Mississippi State on Sunday at the Hearnes Center, Missouri volleyball presented a press release regarding the absence of sophomore outside hitter Taylor Simpson.

Simpson had decided to step away from the team due to personal reasons, according to the news release. Simpson played 14 matches as a Tiger and averaged 2.51 kills per match.

“Obviously we wish nothing but the best for Taylor moving forward,” coach Wayne Kreklow said in the news release. “This was a tough decision for Taylor and her family, and we are thankful for the effort that she gave us while she was here. We wish her well as she moves forward.”

Along with the departure of Simpson, a team spokesman announced sophomore defensive specialist Niki Colier has also taken a personal leave from the team. Her return date remains indefinite.

The loss of Simpson and Colier has resulted in a change-up in Missouri’s starting rotation. The most notable change has been the increased involvement of freshman outside hitter Regan Peltier, who posted double-digit digs in three starts this season. She had 10 digs and five blocks Sunday.

Peltier also saw increased time in the back row while sophomore hitter Emily Wilson’s role enhanced in the front row. Wilson took advantage of the opportunity by notching 10 kills and four blocks.

After the game, Peltier said she has had to recondition herself to play multiple positions on the floor.

“It’s a lot different,” Peltier said. “It’s a much faster tempo and balls are being hit harder than back in high school. Right now I’m not where I want to be, so I have work to do. Mentally it’s harder because you have to condition your mind to be focused on every play. Now I don’t get those three rounds to catch a breather and go back in.”

Kreklow said he expects the team to go through more changes in the starting rotation before the season ends.

“What happens is you’ve got to put people into positions they’re not used to playing,” Kreklow said. “So you’ve got somebody like Regan Peltier as a freshman having to play all the way around, so you put her in positions where she has to pass and defend more than she’s used to. … And any time you start doing that, it bleeds over into other areas a little bit. So other people try to do a little bit more. They overplay a little bit.”

Junior setter Molly Kreklow said she has been pleased with how her teammates have adjusted to the changes so far.

“Regan has been doing a really good job stepping up and playing back row,” she said. “I think everyone’s been really flexible at playing new positions. We’re all just going to keep improving especially with this new lineup. It will be a day-by-day thing, but we still have a lot of potential.”