Hailey
In a thrilling match that kept fans on edge, the Missouri State Bears started strong but couldn’t hold off a determined Jacksonville State comeback. Despite leading by two sets early on, the Bears fell 3–2 in a dramatic Conference USA faceoff on Friday night.
The game was filled with exciting rallies, record-breaking plays, and momentum shifts that made it one of the most intense matches of the season.
A Strong Start for Missouri State
The Bears came out firing in the first two sets, with Lexi Weinberg leading the charge. She delivered a season-high 13 kills and four aces, showing impressive precision and power.
Rilynn Finley followed closely with 12 kills, marking her seventh double-digit performance of the year. Brooke Eslinger led defensively with 16 digs, while Lizanyela Lopez stood tall at the net with seven blocks.
Their teamwork and communication gave the Bears early control, allowing them to grab a 2–0 lead over the Gamecocks.
Match Summary
| Set | Missouri State (MSU) | Jacksonville State (JSU) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set 1 | 29 | 27 | Bears rallied from 19–24 to win |
| Set 2 | 25 | 18 | MSU dominated with an 11–1 run |
| Set 3 | 19 | 25 | JSU bounced back with 17 kills |
| Set 4 | 13 | 25 | Gamecocks hit .458 to tie match |
| Set 5 | 7 | 15 | JSU closed with aces and strong finish |
Bears Take Early Command
In the first set, the Bears made a dramatic comeback after trailing 24–19. A stunning 5–0 run tied the game at 24, and a key block from Grace Smith and Finley helped MSU take the lead. Peyton McKee sealed the set with her only kill, ending it 29–27.
The second set was all about momentum. Missouri State went on an incredible 11–1 scoring run, turning a 9–9 tie into a 20–10 advantage. With strong serves and accurate attacks, the Bears secured the set 25–18 to go up 2–0.
Jacksonville State Fights Back
The tide turned in the third set, as the Gamecocks began to find their rhythm. Kayla Williams was unstoppable, hammering 27 kills through the night — the most by any player in the game. JSU took control early and never looked back, winning the third set 25–19.
In set four, Jacksonville State’s offense exploded. The team hit an impressive .458, leaving the Bears struggling to keep up. A 9–1 scoring surge pushed JSU far ahead, ending with a dominant 25–13 win to even the match 2–2.
Decisive Fifth Set
The final set began with promise for Missouri State, as three consecutive blocks gave them a 3–2 edge. But the momentum quickly shifted when JSU launched a 6–0 run to lead 8–3.
With three powerful service aces and five kills from Amaya Tolentino, the Gamecocks stormed to a 15–7 finish, sealing the comeback victory.
What’s Next for the Bears
Despite the loss, Missouri State showed heart and determination. The team will face Jacksonville State again on Saturday at 1 p.m., hoping for redemption.
After that, the Bears return home for a four-match stretch against New Mexico State (Oct. 17–18) and LA Tech (Oct. 24–25) at the Hammons Student Center.
The match was a rollercoaster for Missouri State — a story of a strong start, lost momentum, and a tough defeat. Still, the Bears’ fighting spirit and teamwork stood out, proving they have what it takes to bounce back.
As they gear up for the next round, fans can expect a thrilling response from this young, talented squad.