COLUMBIA, Mo. — Stephens College volleyball opened its season with a 1-3 loss to MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Set one started with high energy from both teams. The Pioneers claimed the first point, but Jamie Russell turned the momentum with a quick hit from the middle, leading the Stars on a five-point streak. Both teams fought hard, with back-to-back rallies throughout the set. The Pioneers served, and Izzy Benson tipped the ball just behind the block to tie the game at 23-23. In the end, it was transfer junior Amari Branch-Autman who secured the final point with a block, giving the Stars a 26-24 win.
In set two, the game shifted as the Pioneers took control. Rylee Collins delivered a cross-court kill from the outside, igniting a five-point run for the Stars. Despite this, the Pioneers dominated the set, winning 14-25.
Set three began with the Pioneers on a short run before an attack error allowed the Stars to rally. In a back-and-forth exchange, Russell placed a crucial tip behind the block, bringing the Stars into double digits at 10-21. However, the Stars couldn't regain momentum, and the Pioneers took the set 15-25.
The Stars came out strong in set four, with transfer junior Natalija Obradovic scoring the first point with a kill. The Pioneers quickly responded, but Collins answered with two consecutive kills down the line to put the Stars in the lead. Despite their efforts, the Pioneers closed out the set 21-25, securing the match win.
"Thank you to everyone who came out for our home opener tonight! The energy and crowd were amazing," said head coach Maggie Hans. "Unfortunately, it wasn't the outcome we had hoped for. We have a lot of room for improvement, but we can only go up from here."
Russell led the team with 11 kills and four blocks, while Jatnna Pena-Perez recorded a team-high 22 digs and four assists. AJ Hanninen and Bree Zimmerman each contributed 13 assists.
Looking ahead, the Stars will hit the road to compete in the College of the Ozarks tournament in Point Lookout, Mo., on Aug. 30-31.
