Liberty University’s volleyball team secured a thrilling five-set victory over Missouri State, triumphing with scores of 25-23, 28-26, 20-25, 21-25, and 15-8 on Friday at the Hammons Student Center. This win marks Liberty’s third consecutive victory and improves their overall record to 19-7, with a Conference USA standing of 7-6. In contrast, Missouri State’s defeat brought their record to 10-14, including a 5-8 record in conference play, marking their third straight loss.
Throughout the match, Liberty outperformed Missouri State in kills with 82 to 63 and in digs with 98 to 85, indicating a strong offensive and defensive presence. However, the Bears led in blocks, with a final tally of 12 compared to Liberty’s 7. The match showcased remarkable individual performances, notably from Carly O’Brien, who made a significant impact with a match-high 28 kills and also contributed 12 digs. Jenna Otts followed closely with 18 kills and 9 digs, while Paige Overcash added 17 kills and 4 blocks.
Notably, the match featured several record-breaking moments for the Lady Flames. Liberty’s 82 kills were the highest recorded by any CUSA team this season, while their 98 digs were a significant achievement, being the most since they posted 100 against UC Irvine in 2010. O’Brien’s performance also set a record as she became the first Lady Flame since Kate Gammer on September 7, 2023, to achieve at least 20 kills and 20 digs in the same match.
The match was highly competitive, with Liberty pulling ahead late in set two for a narrow 28-26 win, after which Missouri State made a comeback to win the third set. Despite a strong fight from the Bears, including overcoming a 12-6 deficit in set four to force a fifth set, Liberty regained control and finished strong to claim the victory.
This marked the first meeting between Liberty and Missouri State in volleyball, setting the stage for an upcoming rematch scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Liberty’s impressive performance and resilience in close sets are promising signs as they aim to continue their winning streak. The Lady Flames have also demonstrated their ability to win matches that go the distance, currently holding an 8-2 record in five-set matches this season. The confidence and cohesion within the team, especially with key players like Otts, who has consistently reached double figures in kills, make Liberty a formidable contender as the season progresses.