Springfield Standard

Missouri State University's volleyball team secured a straight-set victory over Purdue Fort Wayne on Thursday at Hammons Student Center. The Bears won by scores of 25-21, 25-12, and 25-19 in the first match of a two-game series.

The Bears improved their season record to 3-4 and achieved a season-best hitting percentage of .314. They also matched their season high with 10 service aces. Purdue Fort Wayne's record dropped to 1-6.

In the opening set, Lizanyela Lopez and Lexi Weinberg each recorded four kills on five attempts. Grace Smith contributed two blocks during a decisive 4-0 run that gave Missouri State a lead at 15-12, which they maintained for the rest of the set.

Missouri State led throughout the second set, posting a .455 hitting percentage while holding Purdue Fort Wayne to seven errors against six kills.

During the third set, Brooke Eslinger served as Missouri State built an early 5-0 lead. Purdue Fort Wayne managed to tie the score at both 15 and 16 points before Kya Johnson delivered two aces in another key 5-0 run that put Missouri State ahead for good at 21-16. Rilynn Finley registered five of her nine total kills in this final set.

Weinberg finished with eight kills and a .538 hitting percentage, while Lopez added six kills with a .500 mark. Rossana Papa and Hannah Gardner shared setting duties with 17 and 13 assists respectively; Gardner also contributed four blocks. Aniya Joseph led the team defensively with nine digs.

The teams are scheduled to play again Friday evening at Hammons Student Center.