After a very tough weekend, the Lions volleyball team lost two very close MIAA conference games.

The first match of the two was on Oct. 4 against the Missouri Western Griffons. The first set was led from start to finish by the Griffons but the Lions did not let the first set bring them down.

As for the second set, the Lions were down 11-8 before getting seven points in a row to lead 15-11. The Lions took that advantage and led for the rest of the set.

The third set of the match was the most intense and highest scoring set of the night passing the usual 25-point result with a final score of 31-29 the Griffons took that set along with the fourth set.

Concerning the fifth set, junior Dani Severns said, “We did really well and fought hard, we just didn’t come out ready to take the fifth set and that cost us the whole game.”

The final score of the fifth set was 15-6, giving Mo. Western the set and match win.

Saturday brought another close match to Southern when the Lions faced Lindenwood University. The set scores of the match were 22-25, 27-25, 25-27, and 25-17.

The Lions were led offensively by junior Katie Politte with19 kills and 10 digs for a double-double on the night.

Although the Lions hit .216 and had seven team blocks, LU took the win after the fourth set.

Today marks the start of the MSSU Invitational tournament at Southern in Young Gymnasium.  The Lions will be facing three new teams: Southeastern Oklahoma, South Dakota Mines, and Arkansas Tech.

“I am really excited for the games this weekend,” said sophomore setter Abby Finder, “We have an opportunity to get a few wins, and since we are hosting the tournament, we get to defend our home court.”

Although the Lions are going on a slight losing streak, the team is ready to change that and turn this season around starting with the tournament this weekend.  

“Friday and Saturday we will be playing some non-conference teams so it’ll be a good chance to face some different competition,” said Severns.

Next Wednesday, Oct. 16, marks the matchup between the Lions and the Pittsburg State Gorillas for the Sonic Trophy Series.

The Sonic Trophy Series is a cooperative effort between Southern, Pittsburg State and Sonic to reward and honor the athletics department that performs the best throughout the course of the year.

One point will be awarded in each of the 13 sports in which both departments compete. The school with the most points at the end of the year will be presented the Sonic Trophy Series trophy. PSU won the trophy last year after MSSU had taken it home the past three years.