University of Missouri
3-0
Liberty
0-3
@MizzouVB Tallies Sweep, Earns Kennesaw State Invitational Championship
8/27/2016 6:43:00 PM | Volleyball
Tigers defeat Liberty in straight sets to cap impressive opening weekend
KENNESAW, Ga. – Mizzou Volleyball capped off a perfect opening weekend on Saturday, sweeping Liberty 3-0 (27-25, 25-18, 25-17) and claiming the 2016 Kennesaw State Invitational Championship.
"It's tough to play two matches in one day, but our ladies responded well and took care of business in this final match," head coach Wayne Kreklow said. "We saw contributions from a lot of different people this weekend and that's always a positive early on in the season. We can't wait to return to Columbia, Mo., next weekend for our home opener."
Senior Carly Kan (Honolulu), redshirt junior Melanie Crow (Wildwood, Mo.) and sophomore Alyssa Munlyn (Suwanee, Ga.) were each named to the 2016 Kennesaw State Invitational All-Tournament Team. Kan earned Tournament MVP honors after tallying 36 kills, 21 digs and 40.5 points this weekend.
Crow was absolutely sensational in her first matches as a Tiger. The hard-hitting outside hitter recorded a team-high 39 kills, 10 aces, 30 digs and 52.5 points throughout the three matches. Munlyn showed why she's the reigning SEC Freshman of the Year, as she finished with 25 kills on .420 hitting with a team-high 17 total blocks this weekend.
The Tigers once again faced adversity in their opening set, as the trend continued all weekend long at the Kennesaw State Convocation Center. Mizzou had set point at hand, but Liberty reeled off three consecutive points to even the score at 24 apiece. The Tigers fought back in extra play, ultimately claiming the opening set, 27-25.
Crow continued her impressive black and gold debut weekend, recording eight kills in the first set. The new Tiger also contributed with four digs and two total blocks. Junior setting duo of Courtney Eckenrode (The Woodlands, Texas) and Ali Kreklow (Columbia, Mo.) each tallied six assists each in opening set play.
Mizzou dominated throughout much of the second set, leading to a 25-18 triumph. Kan came alive with seven kills in the set to lead the offensive attack. Kreklow continued her impressive setting with 10 more assists. The Tigers swung extremely well collectively, recording 18 kills on .567 hitting.
The Tigers' defense stepped up in the third and final set, accumulating three total blocks and limiting Liberty to only .024 hitting (10 kills, nine errors, 41 attacks). Kan led the way on offense yet again, recording four of her 14 total kills on the afternoon.
Crow (14 kills and 10 digs) and Kreklow (21 assists and 11 digs) each tallied double-doubles in the Tigers' tournament finale. The standout performances marked Crow's second double-double on the young season and Kreklow's first.
Up next, the Tigers head back to Mid-Missouri for their 2016 home opener. Mizzou will host the 21st annual Tiger Invitational from Sept. 2-3 at the Hearnes Center. The Tigers welcome Utah, Miami (Ohio) and Rice to Columbia, Mo., for the two-day tournament. Mizzou will face Utah on Friday, Sept. 2, for its official home opener. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (CT) and the match will broadcast live on SEC Network + via WatchESPN.
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