University of Missouri
8-3 (0-1SEC)
(#16) Kentucky
9-4 (2-0SEC)
No. 19 Mizzou Volleyball Falls in Straight Sets to No. 16 Kentucky
9/29/2019 4:52:00 PM | Volleyball
Deberg posts match-high 22 kills despite the loss
COLUMBIA, Mo. - No. 19 Mizzou Volleyball (8-3, 0-1 SEC) fell in straight sets (27-29, 23-25, 21-25) Sunday afternoon to No. 16 Kentucky in its Southeastern Conference opener.
The first set inside the Hearnes Center was arguably the most important, as Mizzou saw a late lead evaporate before ultimately falling in extra points. The Tigers possessed 20-16 and 24-22 advantages before Kentucky began its comeback.
In extra points, Mizzou added two additional set points, but couldn't close out the Wildcats. After claiming a 26-25 lead and possessing set point yet again, the Tigers were outscored 4-1 to wrap up the opening set.
Despite her team's loss Sunday, junior Kylie Deberg produced her third consecutive 20-plus kill match and fourth-such outing of the season. Redshirt sophomore Andrea Fuentes also filled the stat sheet with her second-straight double-double.
#ShowMe Top Performers vs. No. 16 Kentucky
- Deberg: 22 kills, 3 assists, 3 digs
- Fuentes: 35 assists, 13 digs, 2 kills, 2 total blocks
Hear From Interim Head Coach Joshua Taylor
On Sunday's SEC opener against the Wildcats…
"I thought we played pretty well for 75-80 percent of each set, but we just had a hard time closing things out and battling adversity. That wild first set was definitely a huge momentum changer for both teams. I think if we close that one out then this match is completely different. We have a quick turnaround with SEC play in full gear now. We'll need to re-focus quickly and be prepared for a road matchup at LSU Wednesday night."
#MIZ Takeaways
- Mizzou fans arrived in bunches Sunday, as a season-best 2,210 attendance was officially called. It was the Tigers' first 2,000-plus attendance match since a year ago (Nov. 18, 2018) which also occurred against Kentucky.
- Sunday marked Deberg's sixth career 20-plus kill match. Four of those instances have occurred in the current 2019 campaign.
- Freshman Claudia Dillon received her second career start and first career nod in an SEC matchup.
Up Next
Mizzou continues SEC play Wednesday (Oct. 2) at LSU for its road conference opener. First serve is slated for 6 p.m. and the match will broadcast live on ESPNU.
The Tigers quickly return to Mid-Missouri for a Sunday (Oct. 6) afternoon matchup versus Texas A&M. First serve inside the Hearnes Center is scheduled for 1 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets online at MUTigers.com/VBTix.
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).
