The Missouri State volleyball team (24-5, 16-0 Missouri Valley Conference) wrapped up its second consecutive MVC title at home last week, and looks to complete an unbeaten league season this weekend with matches at Valparaiso (16-14, 7-9) at 7 p.m. Friday and Loyola (4-23, 3-13).
   The 25th-ranked Bears entered the AVCA Coaches Poll this week for the first time in 14 years after extending their win streak to 17 matches, and have won a school-record 32 consecutive Valley matches.
   MSU has locked up the top seed at the MVC Tournament in Normal, Ill., and will begin play Friday, Nov. 24. Time and opponent are still to be determined.
The Opponents
Valparaiso is 16-14 and 7-9 in conference play. The Crusaders lead the nation with 20.08 digs per set, pacing a group of five MVC teams that make up the top five in that category in the NCAA, and hit .189 as a team compared to .170 for opponents with averages of 12.97 kills, 1.21 aces and 2.26 blocks per set.
   Loyola is 4-23 on the season and ninth in the MVC with a 3-13 league record. The Ramblers hit .140 as a team and allow a .243 attack efficiency while averaging 10.89 kills, 1.06 aces, 13.79 digs and 1.471 blocks per set.
Series Histories
The Bears are 3-0 all-time against Valparaiso, with all three matches taking place at home.
   Missouri State is 10-1 against Loyola, with LUC's only win in the series coming in Springfield in 2015.  Â
First Meetings This Season
Missouri State defeated Valpo at home by a 3-1 score on Oct. 30.
Aubrey Cheffey was error-free with a career-high 17 kills, while
Lily Johnson added 21 kills and 22 digs.
   The Bears swept Loyola at home on Sept. 25, holding the Ramblers to below 20 points and hitting .348 or better in each set.
Lynsey Wright led the Bears with 10 kills in the match.
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