Final Stats

SPRINGFIELD -- The Missouri State volleyball team lost a defensive battle to Missouri Valley Conference co-leader Loyola in four sets Friday evening, with set scores going in favor of the visiting Ramblers 25-21, 20-25, 25-21, 25-16.

The MVC's top defense in terms of hitting percentage, Loyola (17-3, 6-1 MVC) held the Bears (13-7, 4-3) to a season-low .058 attack efficiency, adding 94 digs and 16 blocks. MSU had 77 digs and seven blocks, limiting LUC to a .150 hitting percentage.

Loyola took the lead for good in the first set at 10-7 after a 3-0 run, though both teams hit below .100 in the period. Missouri State fended off five set points after LUC led 24-16, but managed only seven total kills compared to 14 by the visitors.

MSU never trailed in the second set after a 3-0 start, going ahead 12-7 on a block by Lynsey Wright and Ashley Ophoven, and pushing the advantage to seven points at 20-13 when Loyola was penalized for being out of rotation. The Bears led by at least four points for the remainder of the period to even the match at one set apiece.

The Bears overcame a 4-0 deficit in the third set to lead 11-10 on consecutive Ashley Ophoven kills, but the Ramblers used a trio of 3-0 runs and a 4-0 spurt to pull away to a 25-21 win. Loyola carried that momentum into the fourth set, jumping ahead 9-4 and allowing the Bears no closer than 13-12. LUC put the match away with a 6-0 run to lead 21-13.

Lily Johnson led MSU with 12 kills and 18 digs, and Simone House had 10 kills and four blocks. Emily Butters had 16 digs and Tatum Marshall added 14.

Missouri State hosts Bradley (5-15, 0-8) at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Braves lost 3-0 at Wichita State on Friday.