The Lions were back at home for the weekend against nationally ranked Central Missouri and the Lions of Lindenwood University. First up was No.15 ranked Central Missouri. The Mules got off to a very fast start, taking the first two sets from the Lions. As it seemed all but over, the Lions showed no signs of giving up their pursuit of pulling off the upset. The Lions won the third set 25-21 and followed that set win up with a heady, nail biting, come-from-behind 4th set win to force a winner take all 5th set.

In that 4th set win, the Lions were resilient, tough, and together as they “just wouldn’t give up,” said Katie Politte.

They won the 4th set 28-26. With all the momentum and the home crowd behind them, the Lions led the 5th set 13-10. After a Central Mo. timeout, the Mules never looked back as they went on 6-1 run to end the match.

The Lions dropped the 5th set 16-14.The upset was imminent, but the Mules proved to be too much.

Krishna Merriman had 15 kills, nine digs, and six blocks while Politte added 13 kills and 12 digs. Abby Finder had 42 assists and 13 digs. Callie Whetstone contributed 11 kills and 15 blocks.

The next day, the Lions squared off against Lindenwood in a battle of the Lions. On Saturday, the Lions of Missouri Southern would overcome and take the match in four sets.

The Lions won the first set 25-19. They dropped the second set that saw 12 tied scores and six lead changes. A lengthy battle it was as it ended 32-30.

From there, our Lions didn’t look back — taking both the 3rd and 4th sets and making it the Lions’ first win at home this season.

“Oh man, a good win is an understatement. It was awesome to see our hard work paying off,” said Politte.

“It was such a great feeling,” said Monica White. “It’s good getting to show our fans how much we’ve really improved and just how good we are.”

The Lions are excited to finish hard with seven of their next 11 games being at home.

“We’re trying to build off not just Saturdays win, but our play in Friday’s game as well,” said White. “We may have lost, but we almost beat the No.15 team in the nation. Friday and Saturday were big confidence boosters. We have proven how good of a team we are and we are not letting up for anyone.”

The Lions are back in action today against Fort Hayes St. in Young Gymnasium.