No. 24 Auburn (18-7, 8-6) fell three sets to one to Missouri (17-9, 9-6) Sunday afternoon in Columbia.
The story of the match was Missouri's defense. Auburn struggled to land many kills against the potent back line of Missouri's defense. Auburn held strong early in set one, thanks to outside hitter Madison Scheer scoring three kills. Ultimately, however, Missouri was too much and won the set 25-19.
Missouri carried the momentum into the second set and got off to a hot start. Auburn fought back, however, and caused three blocks to get back into the set. The comeback bid would fall just short, though. Missouri would take the second set 25-23.
With their backs against the wall, Auburn would win the third set of the match. Auburn's Zoe Slaughter, Akasha Anderson, and Paige Thibault each had big third sets serving. They were able to mount three aces total in the set. Kyla Swanson and Madison Scheer also added to the production, with six kills combined. Auburn won the set 25-23.
The third set did not carry over into the fourth for Auburn. Missouri responded, even with Kyla Swason having a career high of 10 kills in the match. Missouri would win the third set 25-12 and take the match.
"I thought the effort was there," Auburn head coach Brent Crouch said. "We worked really hard, but we didn't execute some things on defense that we wanted to, mostly blocking line on the hitters. They were just teeing off line on edges, and they did a really nice job of that."
Unfortunately for Auburn, they do not return home for their next match. They will head to Starkville to take on Mississippi State Wednesday night at 6 p.m. C.T. on Sec Network+. The Tigers will look to get back in the winning column before returning home for their final three matches.
