WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team will put its four-game winning streak on the line Wednesday, Sept. 27, when they host Region 16 rival Mineral Area College at 6:30 p.m. in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.
The Grizzlies (8-9) picked up their most recent win Sept. 20 when they swept the Jefferson College Vikings, another Region 16 rival, 3-0 in their season home opener. The scores were 25-14, 25-17, 25-8.
“Playing and beating Jefferson at home in our first home game of the season was very important,” Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paty Figueiredo said. “We have been working hard to be able to keep consistency in our game. We have lost players to different types of injuries this season, and we know that we can’t afford to take a play off. We need to stay strong mentally and physically to face the second half of the season.”
The Grizzlies looked as if they were doing just that throughout much of the contest. With intensity and determination they hammered home point after point, keeping the Vikings off kilter much of the night. It didn’t take long for the Grizzlies to dominate each set after it had begun.
“We prepared, watched game film, practiced over their tendencies, talked about the momentum of our team, and came to the game prepared to face Jefferson,” Figueiredo said. “We had lost to them in our first meeting at their home tournament, and we knew they would use our weaknesses if we let them.
“Every game is an opportunity to grow, connect and get better,” she added. “We have had a season of lots of ups and downs, and now we need to keep our focus on the gaols we have for the remainder of this season and postseason.”
Freshman outside/right side hitter Rosa Brencic led the Grizzlies at the net with 14 kills and an attacking percentage of .667. Freshman setter Caroline Glatkowski dished up 32 assists, while freshman outside attacker Gibson Beckler recorded a 2.86 service reception rating.
Defensively, the Grizzlies were led by sophomore outside hitter Lauryn Farish with 13 digs and three blocks. Both Brencic and freshman outside hitter Iolanda Tercariol recorded three service aces.
Figueiredo said it was good for the Grizzlies to come home after a month on the road. “It is always special and unforgettable when we play at home in front of our families, friends and the people who support us day in and day out. I am grateful and want to thank everyone who came out to support our team,” she said.
“These people need to know that their presence and encouragement make a difference,” she added. “The goal is to have more home games, and we will continue to do our best to make it happen. We love our community, and we are very grateful for everything they do!”
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit its website at MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
Caption for Photo: FRESHMAN SETTER Caroline Glatkowski sets the ball to a teammate during the Grizzlies’ home-opening volleyball game against Jefferson College Sept. 20 at the West Plains Civic Center. (MSU-WP Photo)
