Missouri State will play at Hammons Student Center for the only time this month on Friday and Saturday when the Bears host Drake and UNI for a pair of 7 p.m. matches.
   The Bears have won their last three matches to improve to 10-9 overall and 3-3 in Missouri Valley Conference play.
The Opponents
Drake is 15-6 overall and 4-3 in MVC play after winning its first nine matches of the season. Preseason all-Valley selection Cathryn Cheek averages 3.43 kills and 2.75 digs per set, and Elle Tubbs ranks among the league leaders with 1.03 blocks per set. As a team, the Bulldogs hit .199 and allow a .169 efficiency with averages of 13.44 kills, 1.07 aces, 17.60 digs and 2.12 blocks per set.
   UNI is 13-6 overall, 7-0 in Valley matches, and boasts an RPI of 16 while sitting one spot outside the AVCA top 25 poll. The Panthers owns a pair of top-15 wins this season, with Karlie Taylor (4.82 kills/set) and Piper Thomas (3.49 kills on .318 hitting) leading a high-powered offense that hits .237 and ranks sixth nationally with 14.71 kills per set. The Panthers allow a .204 hitting percentage and average 1.11 aces, 17.34 digs and 1.52 blocks.
Series Histories
MSU is 61-9 against Drake and has won 37 of the last 38 meetings, the exception being a loss in Springfield in 2010.
   Missouri State has won six in a row against UNI, though the Panthers lead the overall series 49-26.
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