Mississippi State
13-9 (3-6)
Missouri
18-2 (6-1)
Sato Tallies Double-Double, Bulldogs Drop 3-1 Match At Missouri
October 24, 2015 | Volleyball
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Despite a heart and soul first-set effort, the Mississippi State Bulldogs (13-9, 3-6 SEC) could not maintain their rhythm, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Missouri Tigers (18-2, 6-1 SEC) Friday night at the Hearnes Center.
The match started off in impressive fashion, as both squads battled back-and-forth in a thrilling opening set. Both sides earned a number of set points, with MSU capitalizing in the end, taking a 1-0 lead with a 30-28 first-set victory. However, the momentum would not carry for the Bulldogs, as Missouri would go on to take the next three sets, winning the match 3-1 (28-30, 25-12, 25-16, 25-12).
“That first set was all heart and soul from our group, battling to the end and pulling out that win,” MSU coach David McFatrich said. “Unfortunately we couldn't keep it going for the rest of the match. We have to work on being fearless from start to finish and learn to get back up after we get knocked down. Working on our mental toughness is key right now for the rest of our season.”
The Bulldogs and Tigers put together an extremely impressive first set, which matches the longest set for either side. MSU jumped ahead quickly to start the match, going up by as much as five early on. The Tigers would close the lead to three several times, but State managed to keep the home squad at bay until late in the set. A 4-1 run by MU as both teams neared the 20-point mark would draw the match even at 17-all, setting up one of the more exciting set finishes this season.
Both sides would go back and forth before an MSU attack error and a Tiger ace gave the home team its first set point, 24-23. Alex Warren would rifle off back-to-back kills to put MSU in position to take the set, up 25-24. MU would soar back in front and get another set point, up 26-25, before Warren saved yet another with a kill. An Evie Grace Singleton kill would put the Bulldogs in position once again, but the Tigers would fire back one last time. State would not relent, as an MU error gave the Bulldogs their fourth set point. A Chelsea Duhs kill would seal the set, 30-28, and a 1-0 match lead for the Maroon and White.
Despite the win, the Bulldogs would be unable to keep their momentum rolling for the remainder of the match. MSU would take a 2-1 lead early in the frame, but a 7-1 run propelled the Tigers into the lead for good. State would come as close as two until MU reeled off a 9-0 run, which led to a 25-12 second-set win, tying the match at 1-all.
Missouri would jump out of the gates in the third set, going up 8-1 to start. State was unable to find its footing throughout the remainder of the set, as the Tigers would push ahead and take the set, 25-16, and a 2-1 lead in the match.
The fourth set would spell much of the same as its two predecessors. Warren would fire away a kill to get MSU up 1-0 to start the set, but a series of runs from the home team would put the match in the hands of the Tigers. MSU would cut the lead to as close as four, but would come no closer. Missouri would pull away to capture the fourth set, 25-12, and complete a 3-1 victory.
Warren led the Bulldogs with 14 kills, while Singleton followed closely behind with 12 of her own. Blossom Sato earned the first Bulldog double-double of the SEC season, tallying 30 assists and 10 digs, along with a single ace for the match. Her 30 assists also helped her surpass the 700-career assist mark in only her freshman season.
Payton Harris led the defensive charge for State with 18 digs, while Jazymne Johnson (four blocks) and Warren (two blocks) led the MSU defense at the net.
Kira Larson topped all players with 15 kills, while Carly Kan had 14 kills and 14 digs. Courtney Eckenrode led the team in assists with 21, while Alexa Ethridge topped the team with 17 digs. Alyssa Munlyn was the match leader with nine blocks, spearheading MU's 18.0-block night.
“As tough as that one is to take, we have to get our sights set on Tennessee,” McFatrich said. “We're excited to get back in front of our home crowd at The Griss. We're going to get in the gym tomorrow and work on getting back on track for Sunday.”
The Bulldogs return to action back in the friendly confines of the Newell-Grissom Building on Sunday. State hosts Tennessee for a noon CT showdown on the SEC Network.
For more information and updates on Mississippi State volleyball, fans can follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at HailStateVB.
