Springfield Standard

Missouri State's volleyball team was narrowly defeated by Florida International University (FIU) in its first Conference USA match on Friday. The Bears lost 3-1, with set scores of 26-24, 25-20, 15-25, and 25-19 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami.

Despite the loss, Missouri State managed to reach double digits in blocks for the fifth time this season, recording a total of 11. Freshman Hannah Gardner contributed her second kill-assist double-double of the year with 11 kills and 14 assists. Other offensive leaders included Lizanyela Lopez and Rilynn Finley with nine kills each, and Jenna Walters with eight.

On defense, Lopez had six blocks while Lexi Weinberg added five. Brooke Eslinger led the team with 12 digs, and Riley Ourth recorded a season-high of 11 digs.

The opening set featured seven lead changes. Lopez’s kills helped Missouri State tie the score at 21 and take a brief lead at 23-22. FIU eventually secured the set after a review overturned what would have been another set point for Missouri State.

In the second set, FIU went on an early run to lead by six points and maintained their advantage thanks to a strong performance in kills. Missouri State responded in the third set with a decisive 10-0 run that included multiple contributions from Gardner. The Bears hit .342 in that set compared to FIU’s .032.

FIU took control early in the fourth set and maintained its lead throughout to secure the match victory. Overall, FIU led Missouri State in kills (52-44), hitting efficiency (.201-.169), digs (59-51), and aces (7-4).

The two teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday morning.