The Missouri Tigers (7-8) fall to the Alabama Crimson Tide (7-12) in a three set sweep in their latest road trip. The Tigers now are the only team in the SEC without a conference victory as the Tide get their first conference win of the year. The Tigers’ losing streak extends to five as the team continues to disappoint in conference play. Alabama, widely regarded as the weakest SEC volleyball team, is the latest in a string of poor showings for Missouri as they simply look outmatched by conference opponents.

Abby Marjama of the Tide led the way in service for her team. Her topspin prevented Missouri from running in-system plays as she racked up four aces with only two service errors. The two teams had six service errors each, but Alabama had the edge with six total aces to Missouri’s three. Serve receive was extremely porous for the Tigers, though starting libero Leandra Mangual-Duran’s absence cannot be ignored. Skylar Buckley filled the libero spot in her absence.

On the front line, Missouri middles still cannot find answers for their counterparts. They are far too slow to react to quick sets and allow too much space for opposing hitters to attack. Alabama exploited this weakness greatly with their slide attack from Alyiah Wells who tallied 14 kills on a .500 hitting percentage. Four Alabama hitters ended the night with double digit kills.

In a must win game for the Tigers, they fell extremely short of expectations. After tough slugging against elite teams in Kentucky and Tennessee and a mixed doubleheader against middle-of-the-pack South Carolina, losing to the low ranking Alabama is an extreme disappointment for this program. The team has fallen victim to slow starts but after losing in extra points in the second set; the 15 point drubbing in the third set to finish the sweep is especially concerning.

Joshua Taylor’s coaching emphasis has been serve receive and blocking by his own admission. However, his latest losses can make a strong argument that those are the team’s weaknesses in a program where they now struggle to find a strength. It is worth noting the youth of this team with only three upperclassmen but the team has struggled to show the promise presented in non conference play.

The Tigers come home to the Hearnes Center this weekend for a doubleheader against the Auburn Tigers (16-1). They match up Saturday and Sunday at 1pm.