University of Missouri
Western Kentucky
Mizzou Tops Lady Toppers
9/8/2001 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 8, 2001
Carbondale, Ill.-The University of Missouri volleyball team played its best match of the season on Saturday afternoon sweeping the Western Kentucky Lady Toppers, 30-17, 30-25 and 30-19. The Tigers move to 6-0 on the season and will take on host school Southern Illinois in the Best Inns Invitational Championship game tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Head coach Susan Kreklow said the Tigers were overall very solid against the Lady Toppers and played with great intensity in the afternoon match.
"We came out very focused and the enthusiasm and excitement to play better was apparent in our kids," Kreklow said. "We definitely saw some good things today and we look forward to a big match tonight against SIU."
In Game 1, the Tigers were outstanding jumping out to a 16-5 lead, partially due to seven straight points, including three service aces, served by senior Katie Sowers. Mizzou would use five total team service aces and roll through Game 1, 30-17.
The Tigers struggled mightily at the outset of Game 2 falling behind, 13-6, prompting a quick timeout. Mizzou was able to roar back though after the slow start on the shoulders of a 13-5 run to tie the game at 18. MU would put the Lady Toppers away in the game with a 12-7 game-ending run taking Game 2, 30-25.
Mizzou came out on fire in Game 3 with senior Naaron Branson serving five straight points and taking a 5-0 lead. The Tigers would maintain that lead throughout the game, leading by as many as eleven and taking Game 3, 30-19 and the match 3-0.
Four players reached double figures in kills for Mizzou with junior Lisa Morris leading the attack with 13. Seniors Kristen and Krista Johnson both played outstanding matches for Mizzou putting down eight and ten kills respectively. Defensive specialist Katie Sowers also played well picking up four digs and three key services aces and junior Christi Myers paced Mizzou in blocks with seven total blocks. The Tigers recorded their second highest hitting percentage of the season with a .378 mark.
"When we control the ball and do the little things well, we can do the things offensively that we want to do," Kreklow said. "Execution is the key for us."
