The Mizzou Tigers traveled down to College Station for some SEC conference play against Texas A&M. Coming into today, the Tigers are on a five-game winning streak, 1-0 in conference play. On the other hand, the Aggies are fresh off a loss in their first conference game of the season against the University of Texas.
The first set of this SEC game started slow for the Tigers, but not for long, as Jordan Iliff went on a seven-ace serving run that resulted in the team’s first lead of the game. From there, it was all Mizzou, quickly closing out the first set, 25-17.
The second set was a swift continuation of the first, Mizzou leading 7-2 by the first timeout. Aggies started to get their footing creating a much tighter game. After constantly going back and forth the set ended 25-20.
Going into the third set, neither team was letting up, resulting in five lead changes throughout the set. Mizzou tried to hang onto their dominant performance from the previous sets, but Texas A&M came from behind allowing the Tigers only one point in a nine-point run. The set ended 25-23, with the Aggies finally getting a win forcing a fourth set.
The intensity did not let up in the fourth set. While the challenges persisted, this was a different game compared to the previous sets, as the Aggies never took their foot off the gas, keeping the Tigers from coming back late in the set that ended 25-21.
The Tigers were tired entering the final set, while the Aggies were coming in hot after turning the momentum of the game in their favor. Starting the set, the Aggies led 7-3, but Mizzou clawed back and was able to make the game 12-12 late into the set. Unfortunately it was not enough as Texas A&M got the win over Mizzou picking up their first win in SEC play.
Jordan Iliff has shined all season, and that was no different today as she furthered her service ace lead, now sitting at 37 for the season. Iliff also had a career high of nine aces in a single game. However, the game standout was Mychael Veron, team leader in kills at 119. She was a name that would not go away getting a season high of 26 kills. Maya Sands, the team digs leader, got 17 today. Notably, Texas A&M had eight challenges on them from the third set forward. Consistently Texas A&M strategically and successfully using all their off court resources such as timeouts, twelve throughout the entire game, and substitutions.
Mizzou is now 1-1 against conference opponents and 9-4 for the season. The Tigers have their next matchup next Sunday on another road game at #12 Kentucky.