COLUMBIA, Mo. — Stephens College struggled to find its footing on day two of the Coyote Classic, dropping matches to Xavier University and Kansas Wesleyan University (RV) in straight sets. 

In the first match, the Stars fought hard but ultimately fell to Xavier in four sets (16-25, 18-25, 25-16, 17-25). Xavier set the tone early with a high hitting percentage, while Jamie Russell led Stephens offensively with 17 total attacks and five kills. Libero Jatnna Pena-Perez anchored the defense with 14 digs.

Amari Branch-Autman and Makenna Bollinger added critical blocks and kills, keeping the Stars competitive, particularly in the third set, where they dominated with a .310 hitting percentage. However, Xavier proved relentless, closing out the match with 16 kills in the final set.

In the finale of the classic, Stephens was swept by Kansas Wesleyan (11-25, 20-25, 28-30), a team receiving votes in the NAIA. The Stars struggled to contain the Coyotes' offensive surge.

Emma Whitson notched her first double-double of the season with 12 assists and 11 digs, while Pena-Perez again shined defensively, recording another 14 digs.

With the two losses, the Stars look to bounce back in their next match against Avila University on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in Kansas City, Mo.