The Missouri Southern volleyball team got into the win column for the first time this season last weekend against Arkansas-Monticello. It took the Lions three games inside of Young Gym to finally notch their first victory of the year.

The Lions (1-14, 0-4 MIAA) made their home debut of the season against Emporia State on Sept. 2. Emporia St. swept the Lions 3-0. The Lions have lost their last seven matchups against Emporia St.

Washburn, ranked number two in the conference, was the Lions second at home opponent. Washburn quickly dealt away with the Lions with a three set sweep. Washburn has won 33 of the last 34 sets (11 games) against the Lions dating back to 2009.

A matchup against Arkansas-Monticello would wrap up the three game weekend in Young Gym. Monticello (6-8, 1-4 GAC) came into the matchup losers of their last four. So both the Lions and Monticello were itching to get in the win column.

In set one, the Lions got off to a slightly slow start, down 6-3 early. Things became interesting as both teams tied at scores 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. The Lions would finally settle in and take set one by the horns. The Lions would go on to score five of the final seven points, including a kill from Payton Graves to take the set.

The second set was all Lions. The Lions got an early lead and didn’t relinquish it. Second set, Lions.

Set three was the match clinching set. The Lions have only been in a match with more than three sets twice this season.

The Lions record in those two matchups, 0-2. I don’t think the Lions wanted to give Monticello any chance at hope. And that’s exactly what they did as the Lions won the third set and secured a victory for the first time this season.

Individual set scores, 25-22, 25-17, 25-21.

Alex Gepford had 10 kills in the match, while Bridegette Jaeger had nine kills, with five digs and four blocks. Callie Whetstone added six kills and hit .333, while adding four blocks. Abby Finder dished out 33 assists and 12 digs, while Katie Wiele had a team-high 13 digs. Bradyn Wall had 11 digs of her own.

Southern will be back in action tonight against the conference leading Central Oklahoma Bronchos in Young Gym. Game time is set for 6 p.m.

The Lions will play host to Pittsburg State tomorrow night in the State Farm Trophy Series. First serve from Young Gym is slated for 1 p.m. This will be the first matchup between both schools in any sport this season. Come out and support your Lions against the Gorillas.