Mizzou volleyball opens season with pair of victories

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Tigers finished the first day of the Mizzou Invitational a perfect 6-0 across both its contests.

Head coach Dawn Sullivan and company started the new year the best way possible; picking up a pair of sweeps against Western Illinois and Townsend.

Mizzou opened the day hot, jumping out to a 17-6 lead in the very first set of the 2026-27 campaign, before closing it out with an 8-3 run. They continued their dominance over the Leathernecks winning sets two and three with a combined score of 50-25.

Sophomore Paige Felder lead the squad with 18.5 points thanks to 13 kills and five service aces. Freshman Ceylin Kuyan was right behind her with 15 points.

Felder followed that performance up leading the team in the second match versus Townsend. She totaled 15 more points on the way to another sweep. Setter Nina Mandovic was also on her game all day, notching a pair of double-doubles in the opening contests.

Despite pulling off another 3-0 win, Townsen put up more of a fight. The visitors stayed within 10 points in all three sets, but the offensive firepower of coach Sullivans outside hitters were too much, helping Mizzou win the battle of the Tigers.

Up Next - The Tigers will play its final game of the Mizzou Invitational against Idaho at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30.