Mizzou Volleyball Sweeps Their Way To 2016 SEC Championship
By: Olivia Gerling
For the second time in the past four seasons, the Mizzou Volleyball team is the 2016 SEC Champions.
Following a big win against No. 5 Florida last Sunday and a sweep at Georgia on Wednesday, the Missouri Tigers swept their way into a championship title against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night.
Mizzou dominated in its opening set, earning a 25-15 victory over Tennessee. Redshirt junior Kira Larson got a team-high two aces to aid the Tigers, whose offense had 13 kills on .400 hitting in the first set.
But it was sophomore Alyssa Munlyn who led the team to victory. She had three strikes on .750 hitting in the first set alone, combining for .600 hitting in all three sets. She also combined for 10 kills and three blocks.
The Volunteers put up a tough battle in the second set, the Tigers eventually winning the set 26-24. However, a big kill from senior Carly Kan and an error by Tennessee gave Mizzou the victory. Kan had an impressive 9 kills, one ace and one block on the night.
Another dominating third and final set against Tennessee cinched Mizzou its victory. The team produced 12 kills on .320 hitting to defeat the Volunteers 25-16.
Senior Emily Thater performed well on Senior Night at the Hearnes Center, putting up a strong .500 hitting with seven kills, four blocks and two aces to help her team to victory.
Mizzou’s win will give them a spot in their 13th NCAA Tournament since 2000. The Tigers will learn their first and second round opponents and destination on Sunday, Nov. 27.
The official NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Selection Show will be broadcast live on ESPNU.