Nov. 7, 2012
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Opponent: Wichita State - Friday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Site: Koch Arena
Location: Springfield, Mo.
Live Audio: www.ShockerRadio.com
Live Stats: www.GoShockers.com
Live Video: www.GoShockers.com
Missouri State (15-12, 9-6 Missouri Valley Conference) plays its final road match of the regular season Friday at 7 p.m. when it puts a season-best four-match winning streak on the line at Wichita State. After that, the Bears will play the balance of their season at Hammons Student Center, barring an NCAA Tournament appearance, with Drake and Creighton coming to Springfield Nov. 16 and 17 and the MVC Tournament taking place Nov. 22-24.
The Opponent
Wichita State is 18-7 overall and third in the MVC with an 11-4 league record. The Shockers boast a balanced offensive attack with six players averaging at least 1.80 kills per set, and hit .246 as a team compared to .203 for opponents. WSU averages 13.63 kills, 2.08 blocks, 15.43 digs and 1.32 aces per set. WSU setter Chelsey Feekin leads the nation with a .461 hitting percentage.
The Series
Missouri State holds a 43-22 all-time series edge over Wichita State, though WSU has won 16 of the last 23 meetings. Of those 23 matches, 11 have gone the full five sets.
First Meeting This Season
Wichita State beat the Bears 3-1 in Springfield on Oct. 12, dropping the first set before winning the final three. Andrea Beaty led the Bears with 14 kills, six blocks and a .312 hitting percentage.
Last Week
The Bears extended their winning streak to four matches with road wins over Illinois State and Indiana State.
Friday, in a mirror image of the match in Springfield between Missouri State and Illinois State, the Bears won the first two sets and withstood and 8-0 ISU run in the fifth set to win 16-14.
Saturday, the Bears made quick work of Indiana State, sweeping the Sycamores without giving up more than 14 points in a set. Christine McCartney had 11 kills as the only player on either side to reach double figures.
