SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State's volleyball team defeated the University of Nebraska Omaha in an exhibition contest Wednesday afternoon at Hammons Student Center, needing just four sets to clinch the victory before finishing out the predetermined five-set contest.
The Bears exceeded the Mavericks in kills (61-48), hitting percentage (.231-123), aces (7-5) and digs (83-72), utilizing 16 players and a variety of lineup rotations and combinations, with only three players seeing time in all five sets. Scores in favor of MSU went 25-20, 25-12, 19-25, 25-16, 9-15.
Seven different players had at least five kills for the Bears, led by
Laynie Dake with 13 on .462 hitting. Preseason all-Missouri Valley Conference selection
Aubrey Cheffey added 10 winners, and freshman
Amelia Flynn finished one kill shy of a double-double after contributing 12 digs.
Reigning MVC Libero of the Year
Emily Butters lifted 35 digs and junior setter
Daniele Messa tallied a double-double with 25 assists and 11 digs, while she and freshman
Leah Vokolek served two aces apiece.
Missouri State will be in action again Saturday at 7 p.m. with the annual Maroon & White Scrimmage at Hammons Student Center.
The Bears travel to College of Charleston's tournament Aug. 24-25 to open the season, and host the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at Hammons.
