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Opponents:
Wichita State, Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.
Southern Illinois, Monday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Locations:
Fri. - Wichita, Kan.
Mon. - Carbondale, Ill.
Sites:
Fri. - Koch Arena
Mon. - Davies Gym
Live Stats: WSU |
Live Video: WSU | SIU

Missouri State (11-4, 2-0) embarks on a four-match road trip this week with matches on either side of the weekend, as the Bears take on Wichita State (11-5, 2-0) at 7 p.m. Friday and Southern Illinois (10-5, 1-1) at 7 p.m. Monday.
The Bears opened Missouri Valley Conference play at home with victories over Illinois State and Indiana State, the 10th time in the last 16 seasons that Missouri State won its first two conference matches.

The Opponents
Wichita State is 11-5 overall and 2-0 in league play as the MVC preseason favorite. The Shockers own victories over Kentucky and Marquette this season, and are led by Abbie Lehman and Katie Reilly, who each average at least 2.67 kills per set and hit .366 or better. WSU hits .251 as a team and allows a .217 attack efficiency, while averaging 13.63 kills, 15.77 digs, 2.05 blocks and 1.33 aces per set.
Southern Illinois is 10-5 overall and 1-1 in MVC matches. The Salukis host Bradley and Loyola before taking on the Bears Monday. SIU has four players averaging at least two kills per set, and hits .243 as a team compared to .190 for the opposition. The Salukis average 13.39 kills, 15.77 digs, 2.35 blocks and 1.10 aces per set.

The Series
Missouri State holds a 44-27 all-time series edge over Wichita State, though WSU has won 21 of the last 29 meetings. Of those 29 matches, 13 have gone the full five sets.
The Bears lead SIU 50-17 in the all-time series, winning 19 of the last 22 meetings.