University of Missouri
Illinois
Tigers Battle But Fall in First Round of NCAA Tournament
11/30/2001 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
"I was proud of the way our kids competed tonight and they deserve a lot of credit for not folding, especially after a emotionally draining game two." Kreklow said. "We had several players step up tonight and we once again had a shot to take over a match. We need to learn from this experience and continue to build on the foundation this senior class has been so instrumental in laying."
Mizzou would take control of Game 1 jumping out to a 12-9 lead. The Tigers would extend that lead and to as many as six at 20-14 and would take the game, 30-26. Sophomore Mary Lauren Smith and senior Naaron Branson paced the Tiger offensive attack in Game 1 putting down five kills while senior defensive specialist Rachael Taylor picked up seven digs in the first stanza.
Game 2 was a classic confrontation. Illinois would lead by as many as six at 25-19 after a kill by IU's Lisa Argabright. However, Mizzou would proceed to go on a 10-4 run to tie the game at 29. From that point on, the two squads would be tied 10 times and for the last time at 38-38. Chrissy Elder would be called for a ball handling error and Big 10 defensive player of the year Shadia Hadad would record a solo block on Myers to end the marathon game, 40-38. Smith would put down eight kills in the game that featured 15 ties and five lead changes and would come down to the final two plays. The 78 combined points was the most points scored by two teams in any match in which a Big 12 team participated in 2001.
With momentum squarely on their side, Illinois would run out to a 7-3 lead in Game 3. However, Mizzou would not go quietly into the night, as they would battle back to take an 18-16 lead. However, the Illini would persevere and go on a 14-9 run to the end the game and take the stanza, 30-25.
The Illini would once again run out to strong lead at 5-1. Branson would lead the Tigers back from the hole with two straight kills, however, and the Tigers would battle to a 5-5 tie. The two squads would continue their nip and tuck play and would be tied for the last time at 20-20. From there, the Illinois would go on a 10-7 run, holding off every Mizzou charge the Tigers could come up with taking the game, 30-27, and the match, 3-1.
Several Mizzou players put up quality numbers. Branson had a huge match putting down 20 kills and picking up 18 digs while slating a .462 hitting percentage. Myers equaled a career best with 22 kills while picking up nine digs. Smith was outstanding as well putting down 21 kills and registering a .333 hitting percentage. Senior defensive specialist Rachael Taylor had a solid match as well picking up 21 digs while also registering a service ace.
The Tigers finish the 2001 season at 20-11 overall and 10-10 in the Big 12. This was Mizzou's second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament and they return four of six starters to next year's squad. For off-season updates on Tiger volleyball, log on to www.mutigers.com, as the Tigers once again make a run for the Big 12 Championship and the NCAA volleyball tournament.
