University of Missouri
3-1
Utah
4-1
@MizzouVB Drops Home Opener to Utah, 3-2
9/2/2016 10:07:00 PM | Volleyball
Tigers built 2-0 set lead, but couldn't hold off the Utes' late surge
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Volleyball built a demanding 2-0 set advantage early on Friday evening, but couldn't close out Utah in a tough 3-2 (25-17, 25-22, 20-25, 21-25, 11-15) loss.
Redshirt junior Melanie Crow (Wildwood, Mo.) and senior Carly Kan (Honolulu) each had strong matches for Mizzou despite the loss. Crow tallied a season-high 18 kills on .302 hitting with 10 digs. The Tiger outside hitter secured her third double-double of the year in only her fourth match played.
Kan also shined on offense for Mizzou, as she produced 13 kills and 14 digs. After leading the Southeastern Conference in double-doubles a season ago, Kan locked up her first double-double of the 2016 campaign on Friday evening.
Junior Courtney Eckenrode (The Woodlands, Texas) was active at setter for Mizzou, tallying a season-high 36 assists. Sophomore Alyssa Munlyn (Suwanee, Ga.) topped the Tigers' individual blocking lead for the fourth consecutive match.
Senior Emily Thater (Springfield, Mo.) and junior Sydney Deeken (California, Mo.) also had strong offensive outputs for Mizzou. Thater matched her season-high with eight kills on .462 hitting, while Deeken reset her season high in kills with seven.
Utah took advantage of tough serving and effective passing in the night's final three sets. The visiting Utes hit .300 or higher in the third and fifth set, keying their impressive comeback against the Tigers.
UP NEXT
Mizzou closes out the 2016 Tiger Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 3, with a doubleheader against Miami (Ohio) and Rice. The Tigers kick things off in the afternoon against the Redhawks with a 12:30 p.m. (CT) first serve. Mizzou and Rice will compete in the tournament's finale with a scheduled 6:30 p.m. (CT) start.
Both of the Tigers' matches on Saturday will be televised live on SEC Network + via WatchESPN.
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).
