Mizzou volleyball opens up Hearnes Center with Top-16 showdown
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The No. 16 Mizzou volleyball team is set to open up the Hearnes Center in style, on Tuesday night.
Head coach Dawn Sullivan and her team will host a Top-16 clash in their first home meet of the year, as No. 6 Stanford is set for a visit to Columbia on Tuesday night. The matchup comes as a part of the first-ever 'Showdown at the Net,' challenge, where ACC and SEC teams go head-to-head.
"I'm just really excited for us to be back home and playing in Hearnes and just feeling that energy again," Sullivan said. "Stanford is just such a great opponent to play against. They're really consistent in what they do and to be challenged, that's exactly what we want."
Sullivan said that thing that jumps off the tape most about the Cardinals is their consistency in serving and passing. Additionally, Stanford is a team that runs the middle incredibly well, boasting a fast-paced offense. The leader of Tiger volleyball said that one of the keys to the game will be getting the No. 6 team in the lead out of system, so they can slow down the pace.
Mizzou will come into the match up 3-1 to start the season, after taking their first loss to Arkansas State over the weekend. Although no team ever wants to take that first defeat, the Tigers bounced back the very next day in a gritty win in five sets in the second game of the weekend against the Red Wolves.
"Challenge is good, adversity is good. It's okay to not be on top every single time. Not that I don't want to be right, we want to win every game, but it's how you respond to those moments," she said. "I think that's what really builds you as a person and as a team."
Sullivan believes this year's team is beginning to find its identity.
"They're just gritty, she said. "They're starting to figure out how they are, as well. I think it's just been fun to kind of see that develop so quickly and just how relentless they're going to be. You know when the game is on line, how much they're going to push back? They refuse to lose."
Over the course of the offseason, Sullivan reloaded her roster and brought on quite a few, exciting new faces, including the NCAA's leader in kills: Caylen Alexander. She said she's loved to see how all the new and old faces have blended together to start this 2025 campaign.
In addition to those transfers and freshmen, Sullivan also returned some of her veterans, including outside hitter Janet deMarrais and libero Maya Sands. She said their leadership has grown exponentially since she's gotten to know them, which will play a critical role this season.
"I think they know what they want, as individuals that have been here from the time I got here," Sullivan said. "That's been fun to kind of see. Like, now it's their time to like and let's get this team going in the right direction."
Tuesday's game against Stanford marks an opportunity for the 2025 team to stand in the national spotlight, something the Sullivan and company can truly appreciate.
"It's incredible. After just two year and in my third season, having that happen. It's phenomenal and just really fortunate and grateful. I think for the individuals to trust me and want to come play for Mizzou and the community as well. You see them show up night at night out," Sullivan said.
Mizzou and Stanford will throw up the first serve at the Hearnes Center on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.
