Wins were a rare commodity for the Missouri Southern Lions volleyball team through the first half of MIAA play, but it hasn’t hindered the team’s focus.

“I’m most happy with the fact that our players haven’t given up on each other or the program,” Lions’ Head Coach Chris Willis said. “They continue to come in everyday with the desire to get better and compete at a high level.”

The Lions continue to employ their determination on the court in hopes of closing out the regular season on a high note. And so far it’s worked.

Through their first tour of MIAA play, the Lions mustered only one conference win. Since then, MSSU has registered wins over Northwest, Missouri Western and Fort Hays.

“The coaching staff knew we would perform better against Northwest than we did at their place,” Willis said. “Our offensive execution was much cleaner and we really picked up our defensive effort. Stefanie Williams and Jeanna Feldmann really put on a show at the net.”

Improved defensive play at the net has keyed a late-season turnaround for the Lions.

“Defense always helps the win/loss column,” Willis said. “Defense comes from desire. Even though our players haven’t gotten the wins they want, they haven’t lost their fight.

“Against Missouri Western, Maria Weller filled in for a sick Ashlee Russell and did a great job hitting .389 and stuffing down two blocks. Kara Robeson also stepped up by putting away 13 kills at a .458 clip, and picking up six blocks.”

Winning on the road has been a problem for the Lions all season. After beginning the season 1-1 away from MSSU, the Lions have gone 1-8 the rest of the way. The Lions are 1-4 this year when playing at a neutral site. Needless to say, when the Lions won at Western, there was a collective sigh of relief.

“It wasn’t a pretty win,” Willis said, “but it was our first on the road in nearly a month.”

“The road has been a difficult place for us,” Willis added. “We can’t control the outcome, but I do think we will perform better.”

Southern will play at 7 p.m. tonight against Southwest Baptist, wrapping up regular season play.