SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Louisiana Tech dropped a three-set match at Missouri State on Friday night, 25-23, 25-18, 25-10 at the Hammons Student Center in the first ever meeting between the two programs.
 
Outside hitter Gabrielle Hairston kept LA Tech (7-16, 0-9 CUSA) within striking distance in the opening frame, sparking a late rally that closed the gap to 24-23 before Missouri State (9-11, 4-5 CUSA) held on to take the set.
 
From there, the Bears found their rhythm and took control of the match behind a .277 team hitting percentage and eight blocks. Missouri State used a strong second set to create separation, then caught fire in the third, hitting over .400 to seal the win.
 
Outside hitter Giulia Bonifacio led the Bulldogs offensively with 10 kills followed by Hairston with seven.  Setters Sydnee Carter and Emerson Traylor each had 11 assists.  Defensively, Riley Steubing tallied a game-high 16 digs while Anaya Hairston provide 3.0 blocks.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Scott Mattera
 
"We did not play poorly, but we did not play great.  Missouri State caught absolutely fire especially in game three and we just could not respond.  They blocked a lot of balls and seemed to really have us read well.  On the flipside, we were pretty sloppy with our hands and arms on our presses.  We will get it cleaned up."
 
UP NEXT
LA Tech and Missouri State will face off again on Saturday.  First serve is set for 1 p.m. CT.
 
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