Losing streak strikes volleyball

Amy Barnicle, junior libero, and Megan Norman, junior libero, both go for the ball during the Sept. 28 game.

Amy Barnicle, junior libero, and Megan Norman, junior libero, both go for the ball during the Sept. 28 game.

Missouri Southern’s volleyball team continues a losing streak after the Sept. 28 game and this weekend’s losses.

Southern volleyball lost against Emporia State University, 3-0, and Central Missouri State University, 3-1, this past weekend.

“I feel that Central and Emporia were two really good teams,” said Chris Willis, head volleyball coach. “I feel we haven’t played to our potential.”

Willis said he thinks the team has hit a plateau.

Against EMU, Sarah Hoffmeister, junior outside hitter led the team with 9.5 points, nine kills and 15 defensive digs.

She was followed by Ashley Wright, sophomore middle hitter and Ashley Hill, freshman outside hitter who tied with nine points.

With a loss after the Sept. 23 game, the Lions still fell short Sept. 24 with a loss against the No. 13 CMSU Jennies 3-1.

Wright led the team with 15.5 points and 12 kills. Hoffmeister trailed behind with 11 points and 10 kills.

Megan Norman, junior libero, led the team in defensive digs with 20.

The Lions continued the losing streak with Sept. 28 against the Missouri Western State University Lady Griffins. MWSU defeated the Lions 3-1.

Willis said the team and the coaching staff needs to work on improving.

“I feel that our blocking is not where it needs to be,” Willis said. “I feel that we are not doing the little things or giving good second effort.”

Ashley Mehrer, junior middle hitter, led the Lions with 21 points and 20 kills.

Hill trailed her with 16.5 points and 14 kills. Hoffmeister follows with 11.5 points and 11 kills.

Norman led the team with 18 defensive digs, and Hill had 16.

The Lions play their next two games away at Friday against the Truman State University bulldogs in Kirksville.

Saturday, they travel to Maryville to play Northwest Missouri State University.

Southern’s record now stands at 6-10 overall and 1-3 in the MIAA.