No. 8 Grizzlies battle back to beat Jefferson

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team recorded an exciting 3-1 win over Region 16 rival Jefferson College Tuesday evening in its season home opener.

After falling 18-25 in the first set, the No. 8 Grizzlies battled back to take the next three 25-20, 25-17, 31-29. The victory puts their overall season record at 6-1.

"What an awesome night with, hands down, THE best fans!!," Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said. "And a huge thank you to Wayward Son Productions, Sonny and Amy Smith; Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply, John and Dixie Williams; Hiland Dairy; The Bounce House; and Mission First Medical, Suzanne Huddleston for the incredible support and sponsorship for last night's Grizzly Picnic and Volleyball game. Your support makes a difference in our success!"

Offensive leaders

Ilana Assis led the team with 12 kills, averaging 3.0 per set. Alana Moesch added 11 kills, and Ceci Westfall contributed 9. Angelina Hardison led in hitting percentage with .385 while contributing 10 total kills. 

"Our hitters each took responsibility tonight," Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said. "We have so much versatility with who we can set and still score points. We had such a balanced hitting night, with four players having double digit total kills. Games like that make you difficult to predict, which makes you difficult to defend."

Doga Kutlu averaged 10.75 assists per set, with a total of 43 for the match, and she also led the team in aces with two.

"Doga is continuing to run an efficient offense, and she does an excellent job using all of her hitters. She's finding our middles and getting them involved which is extremely important in opening things up across the net," Wiedemann said.

Defensive leaders

Lauren Weber led with 22 digs, averaging 5.5 per set. Assis and Moesch had 19 and 16, and Sydney Rupert contributed nine digs. Assis and Moesch each had two solo blocks. 

"Our defense this game started off a little relaxed but finished very strong," Wiedemann said. "We started making fast, disciplined moves with more intention. Once we saw that change, we felt our flow. Everyone has a part to play in defense, and our players accepted that role tonight."

The Grizzlies recorded a team passing rate of 2.06 and hit .250 with 12 kills per set. They also recorded a total of 79 total digs for 19.75 per set.

"This game was so exciting to watch. When you have two teams that are passing and playing defense well, that's when you see great volleyball," Wiedemann said. "Jefferson challenged us to stay in passing and compete in defense throughout the whole match.

"Controlling our side is how we win those tough games, and our players felt that control tonight. We are really proud of them for the fight we could all see and feel, and for getting our first region victory!" Wiedemann added.

Up next

The Grizzlies travel to Hutchinson, Kansas, this weekend to compete in the Blue Dragon Invitational at Hutchinson Community College. Friday, they will face Laramie County Community College and Trinity Valley Community College at 3 and 5 p.m., respectively. Saturday, they will play Butler Community College and the hosting Dragons at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit its website at MSUWPGrizzlies.com/Sports/WVBall/index.