Hannibal, Mo. - The Stars traveled to Hannibal LaGrange University today for the last AMC match of the regular season and won 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-19). 

In the first set, the Stars got off to a strong start with Lena Hunziker bouncing a kill down the line, putting the Stars on the scoreboard first. However, the Trojans managed to take a 3-point lead shortly thereafter. The momentum quickly swung back in favor of the Stars when Libero Genevieve Nickelson went on a six-point service run in which both Lena Hunziker and Jamie Russell contributed with kills. The set concluded with an impressive double block from Hunziker and Emberlynn Kingsley, securing the set win for the Stars with a score of 25-23.

The Stars continued their winning ways into the second set, but this time dominated from the beginning. They started with a flurry of energy and left the Trojans struggling to keep up. The Stars maintained their control with consistency, never allowing the Trojans to put together a run of more than two points. The controlled offensive attack and disciplined defense helped the Stars secure the second set with a score of 25-15. 

In the third set, the Trojans rallied and managed to take an early lead with a score of 10-11. However, the Stars quickly regrouped and turned the tide in their favor. A crucial double block by Jamie Russell and Rylee Collins helped the Stars tie up the set and shift the momentum. A timely substitution by head coach Trevor Koelling of Avery Hays made a significant impact with her serves. Hays served four consecutive points, putting pressure on the Trojans and ultimately closing out the set at 25-19. This dominant performance secured a clean sweep for the Stars and a well-deserved win on the road to close out the regular season.

The Stars return to post-season play in the AMC Conference Tournament on November 7th at 7 pm.  The Stephens Stars will host the quarterfinal round for the first time in program history in Silverthorne Arena. The Stars will be the #3 seed in the AMC bracket with an opponent to be announced.  Digital ticketing will be used for this match and a link to purchase tickets will be shared when it becomes available.  

Statistical leaders:

Izzy Benson: 12 Kills, 3 Aces
Jamie Russell: 5 blocks, 9 Kills, 2 Aces
Avery Hays: 14 Assists, 10 Digs
Genevieve Nickelson: 15 digs, 6 Assists
Emberlynn Kingsley: 5 Kills, 4 Blocks