University of Missouri
2-2, 2-2SEC
(#3) Kentucky
4-0, 4-0SEC
No. 9 Mizzou Volleyball Drops Series Finale to No. 3 Kentucky, 3-1
10/29/2020 11:41:00 PM | Volleyball
Tigers jump out to hot start, but Wildcats answer with three-straight set victories
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No. 9 Mizzou Volleyball (2-2) concluded its fourth match of the 2020 fall season Thursday, falling 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 13-25, 16-25) to No. 3 Kentucky inside the Hearnes Center.
Senior OH Kylie Deberg and sophomore OH Anna Dixon each surpassed double-digit kills for the Tigers' attack despite the loss, racking up 26 combined kills. Dixon delivered at a high efficiency rate throughout the match, compiling 12 kills on .357 hitting.
Senior OH Leketor Member-Meneh added five kills off the bench, highlighted by her 900th career kill in the fourth set. After making her fall debut a night ago, sophomore MB Claudia Dillon played well overall at middle blocker with five kills on .556 hitting and team-best four total blocks.
Defensively, freshman DS Emily Brown paced Mizzou's back row once again with 13 digs. Redshirt sophomore DS Erin Williamson also enjoyed another strong match, matching her season-high with seven digs.
#ShowMe Top Performers vs. No. 3 Kentucky
- Dixon: 12 kills on .357 hitting, 4 total blocks
- Deberg: 14 kills, 1 ace, 6 digs
- Dillon: 5 kills on .556 hitting, 1 assist, 4 total blocks
Hear From Head Coach Joshua Taylor
On Thursday's finale against the Wildcats…
"Tonight was frustrating for sure, as we made far too many mistakes and you simply can't do that to an opponent like Kentucky. I was really pleased with how we opened the match and showed a lot of energy and consistency in set one. We continued that for a bit in set two as well, but faltered late. Then unfortunately in the final two sets tonight, we couldn't get any momentum going and Kentucky capitalized over and over. We need to put these past two nights in the rearview mirror and quickly refocus for Arkansas next week."
#MIZ Takeaways
- The Tigers once again opened their evening on a high note, cruising to a 25-19 first set victory. Mizzou's offense was fantastic, totaling 15 kills on .382 hitting. Mizzou has started all four matches this fall with an opening set triumph.
- The Tigers' defense also enjoyed their best effort in the first set, limiting Kentucky's offense to 13 kills on .122 hitting.
- Mizzou continued a solid attack in set two, posting 13 kills on .303 hitting, but the Wildcats countered with a match-best 18 kills on .405 hitting.
- In sets three and four, the Tigers couldn't find an answer on either side of the ball. Offensively, they were limited to .000 and .185 hitting, respectively. Kentucky saved its best effort for last in set four, slamming 16 kills on an eye-popping .481 hitting.
Up Next
Mizzou looks to get back on track next Wednesday/Thursday with Arkansas visiting the Hearnes Center. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. CT, respectively. The series opener between the Tigers and Razorbacks will broadcast live on ESPNU, while Thursday's finale will air on SEC Network.
Single-game and season tickets for the 2020-21 Mizzou campaign are available for purchase at MUTigers.com/VBTix. Tiger fans can also call the Mizzou Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-CAT-PAWS.
Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Volleyball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (Missouri Volleyball) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouVB).
