Shockers to go head-to-head with Missouri State

After clenching two wins in their fist matches of conference play, the Wichita State volleyball team secured the No. 2 spot in the Missouri Valley Conference. Now, the 11-5 Shockers will face off against 11-4 (2-0) Missouri State, at 7 p.m. Friday at Charles Koch Arena.

“Regardless of our record, it all comes down to still having to win every night,” said sophomore outside hitter Mikaela Raudsepp. “We have to defend our home court.”

MSU is hitting .226 percent on the season, while opponents hit .204 percent. The Bears are coached by Melissa Stokes and led in kills by Lily Johnson, averaging 2.67 digs and 4.23 kills per set.

The teams last met in Wichita last November, which resulted in a 3-2 WSU victory.

Overall, the Bears lead the entire series 43-27, although the Shockers are 21-8 against the Bears since 2004, and 21-16 under head coach Chris Lamb.

With a variety of different lineup combinations, the Shockers are hoping to tackle whatever is thrown their way, Raudsepp said.

“I think our team is very good at adapting to different situations,” she said. “Versatility is one of our strengths, even though sometimes it is a struggle … Our main goal for Friday is concentrating on every point and every set. We can’t take plays off.”

Friday night’s game will be broadcast live on ESPN3, as well as online at GoShockers.com/watch.

Wichita State will then move on to play their next opponent, the 6-10 Evansville Purple Aces at 7 p.m. Monday at home.

“I think the fans are starting to get excited with us, which makes it that much more fun to play the game,” said redshirt freshman Shimen Fayad.