Volleyball season set to begin for Southern

Kalie Mader, Head Volleyball Coach.

courtesy photo MSSU.edu

Kalie Mader, Head Volleyball Coach.

The Missouri Southern women’s volleyball team is set to open their season Friday, September 6th at 1:00 p.m. against Black Hills State University at Leggett and Platt Athletic Center.

The Lions will return 11 players this year along with five new additions to the roster and Head Coach Kalie Mader is at the helm for her second year.

“I think the goal is just to get better,” said Mader.

The Lions had a 3-25 campaign last season, but Coach Mader believes spectators can expect to see a much different team this season.

“One of the biggest things we add to our team is our defense. We have two new back row players that transferred in from junior colleges. They have brought a lot of good energy and both have really meshed well with the team,” said Mader.

Mader also emphasized how well the three freshman additions to the squad have fit in with the other members. Dedication to improvement is something she has been able to see in her players as they have prepared over the summer.

“We have a really good group of people who are coming to our gym every single day and that they work really really hard and I think they are a crew that decided they wanted to be better so they put in the work and put in the hours in the gym. So, I am excited see where that will take us this year,” said Mader.

Missouri Southern is ranked ninth in the MIAA preseason volleyball coaches poll. Their first MIAA contest will occur on Sept. 17th at Pittsburg State University and the first home MIAA match is plotted for Sept. 27th as the Lions host Central Missouri University.