Nov. 9 was the Lions volleyball match against Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. The two teams last met in September, and after losing the match to SBU in five intense matches, the Lions were ready for a good match.

    Although two different Lions had double-figure kills, the Bearcats took the match in three sets. Lions freshman outside hitter Krishna Merriman had 11 kills and nine digs, while sophomore hitter Callie Whetstone had 10 kills and hit .444.

    Sophomore setters Abby Finder and Sydney Wheeler contributed respective stats to the team with 22 and 11 assists.

    The first two sets of the match were close with ending scores of 25-23, and 21-25, but then the Bearcats came out strong in the third set and won the match with a final score of 25-13.

    The Lions continued their six-game road trip to Lindenwood University, who won the match the last time the teams met in October. LU won three of the four sets played in the match earlier in the season.

    Tuesday the Lions took on their MIAA competitor for the second time this season.

    Whetstone, along with junior hitter Katie Politte, was an impact player for the Lions with a combined 28 kills.

    LU took the first set of the five-set match, winning 25-16. The Lions then bounced back by winning the second and third set 25-24 and 25-17. LU took the fourth set and won the fifth set by two points.

    Tomorrow the Lions will play their final match of the season at Pittsburg State University for the second Sonic Trophy Series match up. Last time the teams met, the Gorillas took the match in three sets.