Hailey
Missouri State Bears: The Missouri State Bears are heading to St. Louis this week for the very first Missouri Challenge, and fans are excited to see them compete.
The tournament brings together four top schools from Missouri, and the Bears will face tough in-state rivals like Saint Louis University (SLU), Southeast Missouri (SEMO), and Kansas City.
With a mix of young talent, experienced coaches, and a proud tradition, the Bears are ready to make a strong statement in this new event.
Missouri Challenge Schedule
Missouri State Bears: Here’s the simple schedule for the Bears in the Missouri Challenge:
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Saint Louis University | 6:00 PM |
| Friday | Southeast Missouri | 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | Kansas City | 12:00 PM |
The Bears already have a strong record against Missouri teams, with 153 wins, 16 losses, and 3 ties all-time. That history makes this tournament even more exciting for the players and fans.
Rivalries to Watch
- Against SLU: Missouri State leads 21-3 overall, but lost the last two meetings in 2022 and 2024.
- Against SEMO: Bears hold a 20-2 lead, including 11 straight wins since 2000.
- Against Kansas City: Missouri State dominates with a 23-1-1 record, though Kansas City pulled off an upset win in 2023.
These rivalries bring extra intensity to the matches, and every set will matter.
Moving to Conference USA
Missouri State Bears: The 2025 season is a big milestone for Missouri State because they are joining Conference USA (CUSA) after 33 years in the Missouri Valley Conference.
During their MVC run, the Bears had an impressive .652 winning percentage, proving their long-term success. This tournament is a good chance for the team to test themselves before their new conference battles begin.
A Young but Talented Roster
The Bears’ roster in 2025 is full of new faces. There are seven freshmen and six sophomores out of 18 total players. Even better, all seven players from Missouri come from within 75 miles of the MSU campus, showing how the program builds local talent.
Freshmen Making an Impact
The freshmen class is already proving their worth, accounting for 54% of the team’s kills this season.
- Peyton McKee leads the team with 77 kills, averaging 3.35 per set, and has already earned CUSA Freshman of the Week honors.
- Hannah Gardner has 48 kills and 141 assists. She made history as the first Missouri State freshman ever to record a triple-double with 13 kills, 22 assists, and 10 digs in one match.
Strong Defense Tradition
Missouri State is well known for its defense. In four of the last five seasons, the Bears have ranked among the top 32 nationally in total digs. They finished 4th in 2024 and 11th in 2023. Their defense is one of the key strengths that makes them tough to beat.
Serving Power
The Bears have also been one of the best serving teams in the country. Under Coach McRoberts, they have finished in the top five nationally for ace averages over the last five seasons.
This year, they are averaging 1.80 aces per set, showing they continue to pressure opponents with strong serves.
Coaching Experience
- Head Coach Steven McRoberts is in his sixth season with Missouri State and has 661 career victories, ranking 9th among active Division I coaches. He also has past success in Conference USA while coaching at Tulsa.
- Assistant Coach Lori Endicott-Vandersnick brings Olympic experience, as she was part of Team USA that won bronze in 1992 and was named the best setter of the tournament.
This combination of leadership gives the Bears an excellent foundation for success.
The Missouri State Bears are entering the Missouri Challenge with pride, energy, and high expectations. With strong rivalries, rising freshmen stars, and experienced coaching, the team is ready to prove its strength in St. Louis.
This tournament is not just about wins—it is about preparing for the future in Conference USA and building momentum for the season ahead. Fans can expect exciting volleyball action and a chance to see the Bears’ young talent shine on a big stage.