Grizzly Volleyball goes 3-2 at Wyo-Braska Classic
The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team posted a 3-2 record at the Wyo-Braska Classic this past weekend.
After dropping their first two contests of the three-day event, they battled back to finish strong with three straight wins. The Grizzlies' overall season record now stands at 7-9.
"Overall, it was a great weekend for our players to get out of their comfort zones, play teams that we wouldn't have a chance to play otherwise, and face ranked teams to see the big challenges we have ahead of us," Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paty Figueiredo said.
Game results
The Grizzlies opened the tournament Sept. 14 against Western Nebraska Community College on the Cougars' home court in Scottsbluff. The Grizzlies kept the match close in each set but ultimately fell 22-25, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25.
On Sept. 15, MSU-WP traveled to Torrington, Wyoming, to face Casper College. Once again, the Grizzlies fought hard but lost 23-25, 18-25, 22-25. The outcome was different later that day when they faced the host team, Eastern Wyoming College. In a five-set thriller, the Grizzlies outlasted the Lancers 22-25, 28-26, 25-17, 16-25, 15-7.
On Sept. 16, the Grizzlies started the final day of the tournament with a strong, straight set win over Central Wyoming College, 25-18, 25-20, 25-15, then finished the tournament with a 25-18, 15-25, 25-20, 25-23 victory over Laramie County Community College in Scottsbluff.
"We were not mentally ready to start the tournament, and the results were not what we expected on the first two days," Figueiredo said. "We got together as a team, reviewed our mistakes and studied ourselves and our opponents to prepare for the last day of the tournament because we knew that it was very important for our team to finish with good results. We had a plan and was able to apply it tactically against Central Wyoming and Laramie. Our serving was effective, and our defense worked as planned."
Statistical leaders
Statistical leaders for the Grizzlies at the event included freshman outside hitter Rosa Brencic, who recorded 68 kills and freshman setter Caroline Glatkowski, who had 193 assists. Freshman outside hitter Iolanda Tercariol led the team in service aces with eight and in digs with 79. Freshman middle blocker Maja Bochenek led the team in blocks with 10, including three solo blocks.
"It was a long weekend, but we grew as a team," Figueiredo said. "We know we need to improve every day, and our focus and attention in practice needs to be a priority. It is impossible to create the pressure of the game in practice, so we need to be at our very best mentally and physically every time we step on the court."
Next up
The Grizzlies will put their three-game winning streak to the test Wednesday, Sept. 20, when they open their home season against Region 16 and Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC) arch rival Jefferson College at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be free.
The Grizzlies will be hoping to exact a little revenge after falling to the Vikings 3-1 Aug. 26 in the Jefferson College Classic in Hillsboro.
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit its website at MSUWPGrizzlies.com.