The Missouri Southern volleyball team was looking to get in the win column last weekend as conference play has gotten underway. The Lions lost all 10 of their non-conference matchups and were hoping to get in the win column against familiar foes.

“I honestly think our best play is ahead of us,” said head coach John Napier. “We’ve ripped the rear view mirror off of what has happened already, and we’re absolutely looking forward to the conference matches to start.”

The Lions opened up conference play on the road against Missouri Western. The Lions have lost their last nine games against Mo. West, dating back to the 2010 season.

The Lions couldn’t break the losing streak; they were swept by Mo. West 21-25, 15-25 and 21-25.

The Lions trailed early but would tie the game at 16 midway through the opening set. After falling behind 23-20, Lauren Darby cut the lead to two after a kill. The Griffons would put the game away by scoring the next two points. The Griffons won set two convincingly.

Set three almost resembled set one with the Lions tying the set midway through. Then the Griffons went on a 6-0 run. The Lions fired back with a 6-1 run to make the score 18-17 Griffons. From there it was all Griffons as they closed the set and game at 21-25.

Callie Whetstone and Bridgette Jeager scored eight kills each. Abby Finder had 27 assists and a team-high nine digs.

The Lions headed to Maryville to take on Northwest Missouri in their final road conference matchup of the weekend.

The Bearcats swept the Lions 21-25, 18-25, and 16-25. Southern hit .187 in the match, while Monica White led the roars for the Lions. White notched seven kills, an attacking average of .462, and a block.

Southern will be back in action today as the Lions host Emporia State in Young Gym. This will be the Lions’ first home game of the season. First serve is set for 6 p.m.