Wichita State’s volleyball team is at the top of the Missouri Valley Conference after the women swept the Missouri State Bears on Saturday in Springfield, Missouri.

The team’s record is 19-6 overall and 10-1 in the MVC.

The Shockers took the match with scores of 25-14, 25-20 and 25-21.

With a team hitting percentage of .331, Katie Reilly led WSU with 13 kills, Jody Larson led defensively with 18 digs, and setter Emily Heibert gave 27 assists.

The Shockers jumped out on Missouri State early, earning an early lead in the first set and ending on a service ace from Dani Mostrom, followed by a kill from Abbie Lehman.

The second set wavered until the Shockers went on a run, but the Bears fought back with a score of 17-14. WSU was able to win the set 25-20 after a kill from Reilly. 

The Bears led the last and closest set until the Shockers retaliated and took the lead. Kills by the Shockers increased that lead to 14-8. A Shocker error brought the score to 22-18, but WSU was able to secure match victory and the sweep. 

The Shockers compete next against Southern Illinois t at 7 p.m. Monday in Carbondale, Illinois. 

The 16-7 Salukis are 7-3 in the Missouri Valley and led by Head Coach Justin Ingram. As a team, they hit .254 percent, while their opponents are hitting .192. 

The biggest offensive threat and player to watch is Andrea Estrada, averaging 3.4 kills and 3.26 digs a set. 

Leading the overall series 39-19, the Shockers look to maintain their elite status in the conference against No. 3 Southern Illinois.

The two teams met in November of last year, which resulted in a sweep by WSU.

Junior outside hitter Jody Larson has had a strong season with six rotations during the last five games, contributing to a 5-0 record. She is averaging 3.42 kills and 3.16 digs and earned career-high 19 kills and 24 digs against Illinois State last week. 

Historically, every other time WSU has started MVC play 9-1 or better, they have won the regular-season title. Moving forward 10-1 with the upmost momentum and an eight-game winning streak, this year looks optimistic. 

Tune in to ESPN3 Monday or follow the game online at goshockers.com/watch.