Springfield Standard

Missouri State University's volleyball team narrowly lost to Western Kentucky University in a closely contested match at Hammons Student Center on Friday. The Bears, now 5-9 overall and 0-3 in Conference USA play, challenged the Hilltoppers, who are the preseason favorites in the conference.

Despite losing 3-1, Missouri State showed strong performance throughout the match, hitting above .200 in every set. The set scores were 25-21, 25-16, 20-25, and 30-28 in favor of Western Kentucky. This result extended WKU's Conference USA winning streak to 95 matches.

Freshman Peyton McKee led Missouri State with 16 kills. Rilynn Finley contributed 14 kills, while Grace Smith recorded a career-high of 10 kills. Lizanyela Lopez was involved in eight of the team's nine blocks. Rossana Papa achieved personal bests with 45 assists and 13 digs. Brooke Eslinger led the defense with 22 digs.

Missouri State recovered from an early deficit in the first set but could not take the lead. In the second set, Western Kentucky hit .424 to secure a two-set advantage. The Bears responded by taking control early in the third set with a six-point run and maintained their lead through key plays from Papa and Lexi Weinberg.

In the fourth set, Finley's kill gave Missouri State a late lead after trailing earlier. The teams traded points until an MSU error and a WKU kill ended the match. Missouri State served for the set at one point and held off four set points before falling.

The two teams are scheduled to play again at Hammons Student Center on Saturday at 1 p.m.