Mizzou volleyball began slowly however discovered its rhythm when it mattered most Thursday evening, rallying previous Arkansas State 15-25, 25-21, 25-23, 26-24 on the Hearnes Middle.
The Tigers dropped the opening set after hitting -.034, however coach Daybreak Sullivan stated her staff cleaned issues up and got here collectively because the match progressed.
“I assumed these ladies battled and got here collectively,” Sullivan stated. “A number of contributors out on the court docket. We didn’t begin the cleanest, is what I’ll say. However then we had been in a position to clear it up.”
Grace O’Reilly and Sierra Dudley offered a serious spark for Mizzou within the new 6-2 system. O’Reilly completed with a team-high 13 kills, whereas Dudley added 4 kills and 36 assists after getting into through the opening set and beginning the ultimate three.
The connection between the 2 was evident all through the evening, particularly as O’Reilly discovered her offensive rhythm.
“Sierra and I simply have a extremely good connection,” O’Reilly stated. “I belief her a lot, and I do know she trusts me as properly.”
Sullivan stated the duo’s efficiency was not a shock. The Tigers deliberate to make use of the 6-2 system and educated with the lineup through the week.
“They had been at all times going to play the entire time,” Sullivan stated. “Nothing actually was going to alter there primarily based on what they’ve achieved all through the week.”
After Arkansas State took the primary set, Mizzou responded within the second behind a 4-0 scoring run fueled by two service aces from Eva Smith. The Tigers ultimately evened the match at one set apiece earlier than surviving a decent third set, 25-23.
O’Reilly took over within the third, recording a number of key kills as Mizzou constructed a 21-16 benefit. Arkansas State fought again to drag inside one level, however the Tigers held on earlier than Dudley delivered the set-winning kill.
The fourth set adopted an identical script. Arkansas State led 20-15 earlier than Mizzou stormed again, ultimately tying the rating at 22. Kimani Johnson and Smith mixed for a block to make it 24-24 earlier than consecutive Arkansas State assault errors gave the Tigers the victory.
Dudley stated the message after the opening set was easy: cease worrying concerning the opponent and give attention to enjoying Mizzou volleyball.
“We simply wished to give attention to ourselves extra,” Dudley stated. “We have to play like Mizzou. We have to maintain it fast-paced. We have to be scrappy as heck.”
Mizzou’s win got here towards an Arkansas State staff that pushed the Tigers to 5 units twice final season. This time, the Tigers discovered a option to end the job in 4.
