Steven McRoberts Head Coach | Missouri State University Athletics
Steven McRoberts Head Coach | Missouri State University Athletics
Missouri State University's volleyball team secured a 3-2 win over New Mexico State on Saturday at Hammons Student Center. The Bears overcame a two-set deficit to claim their third consecutive victory, improving their record to 8-11 overall and 3-5 in Conference USA play.
Hannah Gardner recorded her second triple-double of the season with 15 kills, 28 assists, and 11 digs. Gardner previously became the first freshman in school history to achieve a triple-double earlier this season. Rilynn Finley contributed 19 kills, while freshman Peyton McKee added 14 kills, highlighting the impact of the team's rookie players.
Chloe Judd was credited with eight blocks and five kills, and Karissa Chase tallied six kills without errors, all in the fourth set. The match featured 40 ties and 20 lead changes. New Mexico State won the first two sets, but Missouri State responded by taking the next three, including a decisive 15-5 fifth set.
Gardner was instrumental in the third set, participating in 11 Missouri State points. The fourth set was marked by strong defense, with the Bears holding a slight edge in total digs. Aniya Joseph, Brooke Eslinger, and Rossana Papa each contributed at least six digs, with Eslinger leading all players with 21.
In the final set, Judd was involved in all three of Missouri State's blocks as the team forced New Mexico State into nine attack errors. Missouri State led New Mexico State in hitting percentage (.289 to .180), kills (66 to 62), digs (76 to 67), blocks (11 to 8), and aces (6 to 3).
Missouri State will remain at home for upcoming matches against Louisiana Tech on October 24 at 6 p.m. and October 25 at 1 p.m.
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