Mizzou volleyball suffers 3-set sweep in loss to top-15 opponent

In its second ranked match of the season, Mizzou volleyball (9-5, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) was swept by No. 12 Kentucky, losing 3-0 (18-25, 20-25, 21-25), marking the second shutout of the season.

The first set started out close, with the teams tied at eight early on. However, the Wildcats then went on a 4-point run that gave them the lead. Once Kentucky pulled ahead, they maintained control and never trailed for the rest of the set.

Huge kills from Marina Crownover and Colleen Finney helped Mizzou close the gap to within two points late in the set, but Kentucky responded with a 5-point run to secure a 25-18 win and close out the first set.

Kentucky stayed hot heading into the second set, quickly jumping out to a 4-1 lead. However, Mizzou slowly battled back, closing the gap to make it a one-point game. The teams went back and forth, with Kentucky maintaining a slight edge, but Mizzou stayed within striking distance.

A 6-1 run by the Wildcats gave them the cushion they needed, extending their lead to 22-16. The Tigers fought back, adding four more points of their own, but ultimately fell short as Kentucky closed out the set with a 25-20 win, putting Mizzou down 2-0 in the match.

The third set was the most competitive of the three. Mizzou jumped out early, securing their first lead since the opening set, but Kentucky quickly responded.

The Wildcats maintained their lead for the rest of the set, but Mizzou kept it close. After a 4-point run by Kentucky stretched its lead to 22-16, the Tigers answered with four consecutive points of their own, narrowing the gap to 22-20.

Mizzou managed only one more point before the Wildcats closed out the set with a 25-21 win, securing the 3-0 sweep and taking the match.

Graduate Mychael Vernon was the standout player for the Tigers, finishing the match with nine kills, one ace, six digs, and two blocks, one of which marked the 200th block of her career.

Other notable performers for the Tigers included Colleen Finney, who tallied six kills with an impressive .750 hitting percentage, Maya Sands, who led the team with 10 digs, and Marina Crownover, who contributed 17 assists.

The Tigers return home after more than a week on the road, facing Southeast Missouri on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Hearnes.