No. 21 Missouri volleyball took a loss to South Carolina on Sunday to end their short three-match win streak. The Tigers fell 3-1 in Columbia, South Carolina in an upset win for the Gamecocks.
To open the first set, South Carolina used hits and serves, causing Mizzou to suffer. The Tigers had nine attack errors. Despite the 25-10 set loss, sophomore Alyssa Munlyn and redshirt junior Kira Larson did well on offense with four kills apiece.
The Tigers responded well in the second set with a 7-0 scoring run to throw off the Gamecocks. Mizzou was able to take the second set 25-23, despite letting its early lead slip away. To help the Tigers, senior Carly Kan exploded on offense and posted a set high of six kills. On defense, the Tigers had three blocks to stop South Carolina from scoring.
The third set was a constant battle back and forth between the two teams. Mizzou trailed late in the set before tying the score at 24. South Carolina took the set in extra points, 26-24, taking advantage of a Mizzou service error. Redshirt junior Melanie Crow swung for a team-high seven kills. Together, the Tigers had 17 kills for the set.
Mizzou did well in the start of the fourth set and held a 23-21 advantage over the Gamecocks near the end. South Carolina rallied the Tigers and battled back with a 4-1 point run and claimed the victory, 25-23.
Despite the loss, several Tigers stood out and performed well. Crow shined with 17 kills and 13 digs and earned her eighth double-double of the year. Kan tallied 14 kills and 16 digs and now leads the team in double-doubles with her 11. Munlyn produced 10 kills and led the defense with four blocks. Larson struck with 12 kills and five digs, and she contributed three blocks for the defense.
Mizzou will end their regular season with three of its final four matches in Columbia. Next weekend, the Tigers will play Auburn on Friday at Hearnes Center. The first serve is set for 6:30 p.m. This match will be followed by another against No. 6 Florida on Sunday, Nov. 20. First serve is at 3 p.m.
_Edited by Peter Baugh | pbaugh@themaneater.com_
