@MizzouVB Competes in First Matches Against Chinese Teams
5/17/2016 9:08:00 AM | Volleyball
Tigers will play matches each day during the week (May 16-20)
COLUMBIA, Mo. - After a weekend of sightseeing in Beijing, China, the Tigers began competition on Monday, May 16, against local Chinese Volleyball teams. Throughout the work week (May 16-20), Mizzou will compete in daily matches with local programs.
In their first matchup on Monday, the Tigers were welcomed with a 7:30 a.m. wake-up call at the hotel. Mizzou loaded its buses and quickly transported to the gym. Following a quick warm-up with serve and pass, the Tigers enjoyed lunch at the university's cafeteria.
Two hours later, head coach Wayne Kreklow led his team back to the gym for one last warm-up session. Finally, at 2:45 p.m. local time, Mizzou hit the court and squared off against Sports University. The Chinese program finished in third place in the China College League in 2015.
Junior Julia Towler is one of 12 Tigers on the current trip in Beijing. The ability to compete with a different culture has already been an eye-opening experience.
"Playing a Chinese team was such a fun and amazing experience," Towler said. "Although we couldn't communicate with them by language, we could still communicate with them through volleyball. It's amazing how sports can unify different cultures as we all share the love of the same sport."
Along with Towler, junior Emily Thater is prepping for her final campaign in Mizzou black and gold. A trip to Beijing has been yet another exciting chapter in her playing career as a Tiger.
"This has just been a really rewarding experience so far," Thater said. "From playing against a much different style and quicker volleyball team on the other side of the net, to eating delicious food in the area, it has all been really fun!"
Visit MUTigers.com for continued coverage of Mizzou Volleyball's trip to China.
