University of Missouri
Baylor
Missouri Downs No. 23 Baylor
11/6/1999 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 6, 1999
It was a monumental night for the Missouri Tigers (9-16, 3-12) as they defeated their first ranked opponent since Disa Johnson took over in 1994. The Tigers trounced the 23rd ranked Baylor Bears (21-6, 9-5), taking them in five games, 7-15, 15-11, 5-15, 15-12, 15-12. The win also ended Baylor's five-match win streak and Missouri's 19-game losing streak.
The main contibutor to Missouri's victory was consistency which the Tigers have been unable to find most of the season. "They worked so hard to get this (win)," coach Disa Johnson said. "I'm so proud of how they played. They recommitted themselves and won with a lot of class."
Missouri hit a combined .232 to Baylor's .301. Sophomore Rachael Taylor had the game of her life, handing out a career-high 64 assists. She also contributed 15 digs and three block assists.
"(Rachael) was a major reason for our win tonight," Johnson said. "She allowed our hitters to really shine."
Other heavy hitters for Missouri were junior Annette Luyten, sophomore Naaron Branson, redshirt freshman Lisa Morris, and freshman Christi Myers. Luyten, Branson and Myers all had double-doubles. Luyten had 14 kills and 13 digs, Branson had a team and career-high 21 kills and 12 digs and Myers had 18 kills and a career-high 15 digs. Morris also hit in double figures, knocking down 10 kills.
"It was a huge win for us and it was just so reassuring to win again," Branson said. "There was no doubt in my mind that we would win. We just played ball."
"We really came together as a team," Luyten added. "We made some changes and some promises that we were not going to give up on this season."
The Tigers have a week off then hit the road, taking on Texas and Kansas State next weekend.
