University of Missouri
5-0
Arkansas State
4-1
@MizzouVB Remains Perfect Following Thrilling 3-2 Win Over Arkansas State
9/5/2015 1:19:00 PM | Volleyball
Tigers go on 8-4 run in fifth set to complete comeback victory
TAMPA, Fla. – Mizzou Volleyball exchanged sets with Arkansas State on Saturday morning, before using an 8-4 run in the fifth set to finish the overall match. Redshirt sophomore Kira Larson (Fargo, N.D.) keyed the Tigers' match-clinching set with four kills on .800 hitting. The Tigers' 3-2 victory (20-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-14, 15-11) improved their early season record to a perfect 5-0.
"We showed a lot of heart and fight today with a big comeback victory against the Red Wolves," head coach Wayne Kreklow said. "Both teams came into this morning's match with an undefeated record and each squad competed until the last point. We'll come back again tonight with the same fire and look to end our tournament on a high note."
Mizzou hit over .300 in its final two sets to complete Saturday's comeback win. Junior Carly Kan (Honolulu, Hawaii) led the Tigers with 20 kills and 15 digs. It was her third double-double already this season. Senior Regan Peltier (Nixa, Mo.) also got in on the double-double scoreboard after finishing with 11 kills and 17 digs.
Sophomore Courtney Eckenrode (The Woodlands, Texas) recorded a season-best 26 assists to help lead Mizzou's attack. Also setting a new season-best was junior Alexa Ethridge (Lee's Summit, Mo.), as she led the Tigers with 18 digs in the match.
The Tigers fought close early in the first set, but the Red Wolves used a big 14-7 run midway through to pull away. Mizzou was within three points at the end of the opening set before Arkansas State ultimately sealed its 1-0 set lead.
Mizzou responded well in its second set, thanks largely due to powerful defense at the net. Junior Emily Thater (Springfield, Mo.) accounted for two of the Tigers' four total blocks in the set. Leading the offense was Kan with her five kills.
In third set action, the Tigers struggled to gain consistency attacking and Arkansas State took advantage early and often. Larson and Peltier each tallied three kills on .333 hitting despite the team's struggles.
Led by Kan's six kills on .385 hitting, the Tiger took the fourth set in convincing fashion. Mizzou's built their largest lead of eight points midway through the set and never looked back.
Up next for Mizzou is its South Florida Invitational finale later tonight against South Florida. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. (CT).
Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Volleyball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (Missouri Volleyball) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouVB).
