With several players playing out of position, the Missouri Southern volleyball team defeated the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats, 3-2.

SBU came to Young Gymnasium, Oct. 12, to take on the Lions.

Freshman outside hitter Sarah Hoffmeister stepped in to play as the Lions’ setter.

“I thought Sarah Hoffmeister did a good job stepping into a position she doesn’t really play,” said Jackie Gallagher, senior outside hitter.

Chris Willis, head volleyball coach, said the Lions played patiently and aggressively.

“We had some people playing out of position,” said Chris Willis. “Then it comes down to who wants it more. They weren’t comfortable in their positions, but they still went out there and worked as hard as they could.”

SBU won the first game 30-28, but Southern came back to win the second and third matches 30-28 and 30-23, respectively. SBU won the fourth match 30-28. In the final game Southern pulled out the win, 15-11.

“We started out a little rough,” Gallagher said. “Our passing was not very good.”

Gallagher led the Lions with 24 kills and 30 points on the night. Senior outside hitter Sara Jaynes had 18 kills and 19.5 points.

Amy Barnicle, freshman libero, racked up 31 digs during the match.

“Anytime you get over 30 digs in a match, it’s always outstanding,” Willis said. “[Barnicle has] been a foundation for us [in the back].”

The Lions came in to the game off a 3-0 showing at the Pizza Hut/Wendy’s Classic in Arkadelphia, Ark.

The Lions first match was Oct. 8 against Ouachita Baptist University. Southern took OBU 3-1. Gallagher earned 24 kills with 25.5 points and Jaynes earned 14 kills with 15.5 points. Hoffmeister led the Lions in digs with 16, followed by Barnicle and Marci Johnson, junior setter, who both had 14.

The next challenge for Southern was also Oct. 8 against the Southern Arkansas University Lady Muleriders. Southern defeated SAU in three straight games. In the match, Gallagher led the Lions with 14 kills and 17 points. Ashley Mehrer, sophomore middle hitter, was second with 12 kills and 14 points, followed by Jaynes who had 10 kills and 12 points.

The final match of the weekend for Southern was Oct. 9 against Harding University.

HU is the second best team in the South Central Region. The Lions defeated the lady Bison, 3-1.

“To beat them (HU) in four really shows who the better team is,” Willis said. “This weekend was outstanding for us.”

“I loved it (the tournament),” Gallagher said. “I was really proud of us.”

The Lions’ record for the season now stands at 11-11 overall and 4-5 in the MIAA.

The Lions took on Drury University Oct. 14. The game had not been played at the time of printing.

Southern takes on Bemidji (Minn.) State University at 6 p.m., Friday in Young Gymnasium. Then the team travels to Topeka Wednesday to play the Washburn University Lady Blues.