Tigers stumble in first match of American Classic
The Missouri volleyball team made its final stop of its 13-match long road schedule in Washington D.C. for the American Classic on Friday. The Tigers held on to 11 wins heading into the weekend, standing above all programs with the most victories in the country.
They now have company.
AVCA No. 31-ranked Western Kentucky advanced to 11-1 on the season while the No. 33 Tigers picked up their third loss of the season in the 3-1 decision of the tournament opener.
Sophomore Lisa Henning had 17 kills on the match, more than any player has recorded in a game all season. But the hitter’s assault was not enough to overcome a Toppers defense led by sophomore libero Ashley Potts, who dug 18 balls in the game.
Henning’s sophomore comrade Molly Kreklow put on an impressive display and tallied her second double-double of the season. Kreklow powered both the offense and defense, leading the team in assists and digs.
Freshman defensive specialist Jade Hayes started in the back row alongside senior libero Priscilla Armendariz. The defense was tested by the reigning AVCA National Player of the Week, junior outside hitter Jordyn Skinner, and a balanced attack that totaled 60 kills on the night,a season-high for the team.
The first set of play was a strong one for the Tigers’ block, powered by senior Brittney Brimmage and Whitney Little who leads the team in blocks with 58. WKU came out of the set only hitting .103.
The Tigers highlighted the second set with a 10-2 run at one point before the Toppers sparked late and won the set 25-22. The early-run theme carried on in the third set. The Tigers managed a 9-3 run and were again halted by WKU and fell 25-19.
The fourth set opened up to an explosive start when Henning killed a ball that violently crashed into the face of Potts. But the Hilltoppers once more strung a mid-set rally, taking the set 25-20.
The Tigers will face Villanova and American at the Bender Arena tomorrow.