SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Stephens College volleyball went the distance with Mission University on Tuesday night, ultimately falling in a tightly contested five-set match, 3-2. The Stars took the first and fourth sets before Mission edged Stephens 15-12 in the deciding fifth frame.
Stephens came out strong in the opening set, taking control for a 25-19 victory. Mission responded in the second with a 25-20 win before taking a back-and-forth third set, 25-18. The third featured eight ties and six lead changes as the two teams battled for control.
Facing a 2-1 deficit, Stephens answered with one of its strongest offensive performances of the night in the fourth set. The Stars committed just two attacking errors and hit .364 on their way to a 25-18 victory, forcing a decisive fifth set.
The final frame remained close, featuring two ties and two lead changes. Mission ultimately pulled ahead late to take the set 15-12 and secure the match.
Anna Bradley and Michalina Oles led the Stephens attack with 10 kills apiece, with Bradley hitting .364 for the match. Jocelyn Rios added nine kills, while Alyssa Jackson finished with seven. Mercedes Britto contributed five kills on nine attempts for a team-best .444 hitting percentage.
Audrey Dinwiddie directed the offense with 40 assists while adding four kills and a service ace. Alanis Francelino led the defensive effort with 22 digs and four service aces, while Danika Brase added eight digs and three aces.
At the net, Stephens totaled eight solo blocks. Britto led the way with three, while Oles added two. The Stars finished with 47 kills and 10 service aces while hitting .145 as a team.
The Stars will continue action this weekend, heading back to Springfield for a tri-match against Evangel University and Southwestern College (Kan.).
