Springfield Standard

Missouri State University’s volleyball team concluded the Dr. Mary Wynn Invitational on Saturday at Hammons Student Center with a 3-0 defeat to DePaul. Despite the loss, Missouri State secured the tournament championship due to a 2-1 record and a head-to-head tiebreaker over UTSA.

Freshman Peyton McKee was named tournament MVP after averaging 3.91 kills per set with a .417 hitting percentage during the weekend. Teammates Hannah Gardner and Lizanyela Lopez were also selected for the all-tournament team.

DePaul, now 3-3 for the season, recorded a hitting percentage of .293 or higher in each set and finished at .385 for the match. The Blue Demons used two separate 7-0 runs in the first and third sets to establish control. In the second set, Missouri State hit .282 but did not lead after an early 4-3 advantage as DePaul extended its lead from a close 17-16 score.

Missouri State posted a .240 hitting percentage overall. McKee led her team with 11 kills on .435 hitting. Aniya Joseph had a team-high 11 digs, while Gardner contributed 17 assists.

The Bears will remain at home for upcoming matches against Purdue Fort Wayne on September 11 and 12, both scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Players named to the all-tournament team included Peyton McKee (MVP), Hannah Gardner, and Lizanyela Lopez from Missouri State; Ally Tribe and Gigi Mason from UTSA; Ashley Geluck from Lindenwood; and Katelynn Oxley from DePaul.