Grizzlies pick up big region win over MAC

The No. 8 Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team picked up a big win over Region 16 rival Mineral Area College Wednesday night.

The Grizzlies, now 11-4 overall, defeated the Cardinals 25-9, 25-14, 24-26, 25-11 in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.

The team's record in Region 16 play is 2-0.

"This was, again, a great team win," Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said. "The things we have been working on technically and working through physically in practice are showing in how we are getting better as a group.

"It takes everyone to show up and be there for each other for us to move forward as a team," she added. "The process matters when you are trying to reach goals. I appreciate how much everyone has been pouring into the process."

A look inside the stats

Freshman outside hitter Ilana Assis, led the team with .684 hitting percentage and 3.75 kills per set. Redshirt freshman middle blocker Angelina Hardison followed with a .517 hitting percentage. As a team, the Grizzlies hit .430, with 14.5 kills per set.

Freshman setter Doga Kutlu had 45 assists, for 11.25 per set.

"Our offense was consistent and steady across the board," Wiedemann said. "We passed well enough to stay in system more often than not, and our hitters took care of the ball. Four of our five hitters had more than 10 kills each, and all of our hitters had an above-average hitting percentage. It was an excellent effort across the board for us."

Redshirt freshman right side/outside hitter Manuela Bibinbe led the team in blocks with three, followed by freshman middle blocker Alana Moesch with two.

"Our blocking was tremendously better this game. We made low moves and were ready to press over the net," Wiedemann said. "Our positioning improved, and I know the girls could feel the difference. It's way more fun when you work hard enough to make it feel easy."

Redshirt freshman libero Lauren Weber led the Grizzlies in digs with 28 for seven per set. Assis and Kutlu had 17 and 15, respectively.

"Defensively, we kept the ball off the ground. When MAC started putting things together, we stayed in those points. We forced them to have to try new things. We will continue to get better here as we keep moving low and make ourselves ready for whatever comes at us on the other side."

Assis and Kutlu each had three aces, making up two thirds of the team's total of nine.

"Our serving was exactly what we needed. We didn't need to do anything fancy, just put some pressure on their passers and make them make plays. Games like this really come down to serving and passing, and we took control in both areas this game," the coach said.

Wiedemann thanked the game sponsor, Don's Auto Service, for its continued support of Grizzly Volleyball and Grizzly Athletics.

"A huge shout out to Don's Auto Service, John and Susie Kenslow, for being tonight's game sponsor and their continued support of Grizzly Athletics! We are better because of people like you," she said.

She also thanked the fans who attended. "The support we get from our fans is amazing! We love playing on our home court!," she said.

Next up

The Grizzlies take to the road again this weekend for the Iowa/Missouri Challenge, which is being hosted this year by Marshalltown Community College.

MSU-WP will play the host team at 7 p.m. Friday. Saturday, they face the No. 2 team in the nation, the Iowa Western Community College Reivers, at 1 p.m. then take the court again at 5 p.m. for a rematch against No. 16 Indian Hills Community College. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors last weekend in the Tyler Community College Invitational in Texas.

For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit its website at msuwpgrizzlies.com/sports/wvball/index.