Despite a first set comeback and a third set lead, the Missouri Southern Volleyball team was not able to clench a win against the Washburn Ichabods on Oct. 8.

Southern lost in three set; 25-18, 27-25, and 25-13.

“Washburn always brings an extremely competitive team who has the potential to beat anyone in the country,” said Head Coach Chris Willis. “They are always very athletic and disciplined.”

Now, the Lions begin a two-day road trip, beginning today at 7 p.m. in Fort Hays.

“The following weekend is going to be a challenge,” Willis said. “The drive to Hays, Kan., is long and the Tigers play well there.”

On Saturday, the Lions head to Emporia to face the No. 11 Hornets. Emporia, much like Washburn, is playing at a high level right now.

The Hornets, 20-1 overall and 6-0 in the MIAA, have won 17 consecutive matches.

“It’s another fun weekend in the MIAA,” Willis said.

The Lions, 6-12 overall and 1-5 in the league, had a positive start to the Pittsburg State Tournament last weekend, with a quality win over Lone Star Conference power Abilene Christian.

“We were very pleased with our performance against ACU,” Willis said. “We served tough, played good defense, and terminated balls.Our outside hitters really produced for us.”

The Lions closed out the tournament with a pair of losses against LSC opponents.

“The losses were disappointing for sure.” Willis said, “So we hope to use the experience to improve us as a team. The matches revealed some weaknesses in our team which need to be addressed. Hopefully, we can make some changes and get better.”

A problem for Southern has been defensive play, and it continued to plague the Lions toward the end of the tournament.