Missouri volleyball has new life under Dawn Sullivan, and the good times kept rolling against South Dakota. The five stars of the game were undoubtedly Jordan Iliff, Dilara Gedikoglu, Sierra Dudley, Maya Sands and Morgan Isenberg. Iliff’s impact is absolutely breathtaking to watch, as her ruthless power above the net was astonishing. The pop of the ball percolates throughout the Hearnes Center. Getting 12 kills led the way, and Sullivan’s prized transfer in Gedikoglu was once again a fantastic second option. After a slow start in the first couple of games, she truly turned it on in these last three games. She racked up the second most kills (10) and had a dominant defensive game with three dogs and a block.
Dudley was once again setting her teammates up for success, as her 28 assists put her at exactly 200 on the season. Getting to 200 assists in five games is astonishing, but doing it as a true freshman makes the feat even more mind-blowing.
Setter Sierra Dudley, freshman, sets the ball up for a teammate during Missouri’s volleyball game against against South Dakota on Saturday Sept. 2, 2023 at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, Mo. Dudley successfully completed multiple set ups which helped Missouri win its game against South Dakota. Caption and Photo: Brice Beaird/ The Maneater
Sands, the unquestioned vocal leader on this team, led the Tigers with 13 digs, bringing her total to 88 on the season. Watching how Sands keeps team morale up and ensures that there’s a high level of intensity is a pleasing sight to behold.
Finally, Isenberg, was an enforcer at the front. Isenberg led the Tigers with nine blocks, bringing her season-long total 28, which leads the team.
This Mizzou team is looking hungry, energized and happy. In the stands, people are showing out to support this team, the leadership is keeping a fun environment for these athletes, and they are putting on a show for people to truly enjoy. This revamped squad is ready for whatever comes next, and luckily, they have a potentially big party to crash when the third-ranked team in the nation, the Louisville Cardinals, battle the Tigers Sunday.