KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Billikens closed out nonconference play with a five-set win over Missouri State on Saturday. The victory snapped the Lady Bears' eight-match winning streak.
SET 1 | SLU 16, MSU 25
The opening set was back and forth early, with Missouri State holding an 8-7 lead before the Lady Bears used a 9-0 run to take control at 17-7. Saint Louis trailed 23-11 late but scored five consecutive points to cut the deficit to 23-16. Missouri State, however, closed out the set to take a 1-0 lead.
SET 2 | SLU 25, MSU 22
Saint Louis maintained a slight lead throughout the second set, but Missouri State tied the score four times. The Lady Bears took a 21-20 lead before the Billikens responded with a string of points to earn the 25-22 victory. Saint Louis hit .484 in the set and recorded 18 kills.
SET 3 | SLU 25, MSU 14
The Billikens carried their momentum into the third set, building a 12-4 lead. Saint Louis controlled the remainder of the set, earning a 25-14 victory to take a 2-1 lead in the match.
SET 4 | SLU 20, MSU 25
Missouri State responded in the fourth set, using a 7-1 run to take a 14-10 lead. The Lady Bears never trailed again, although Saint Louis remained within striking distance throughout the set. Missouri State forced a decisive fifth set with a 25-20 win.
SET 5 | SLU 15, MSU 13
The teams battled throughout the deciding set, with Missouri State taking a 9-6 lead midway through. Saint Louis answered with a 7-0 run to take a 13-9 advantage late. The Lady Bears cut the deficit to 13-12, but the Billikens held on to secure the 15-13 victory and close out the match.
NOTABLES
- Ellie Rink recorded a double-double with 18 kills and 10 digs.
- J'La Sparks had a career day with seven kills and 10 total blocks.
- Jetta Brenning added a double-double with 44 assists and 14 digs.
- Kayla Jansen recorded 11 kills on a .444 hitting percentage and added six blocks.
- Tea Kalajdzic rounded out the Billikens in double figures with 14 kills.
- Saint Louis recorded 17 total blocks, its most in a match since Oct. 25, 2024, at Rhode Island.
UP NEXT
The Billikens begin Atlantic 10 play on the road at George Washington on Friday at 5 p.m. CT and Saturday at noon CT.
