Box score

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. -- The battle of cats and dogs went to the dogs Wednesday, when the SBU Bearcats lost to the host #18 Truman State Bulldogs in straight sets. Truman (21-9, 9-5 MIAA) controlled the first set by 25-14 margin, won a close second set at 25-22 before closing out the match with a 25-19 third set victory.

Ashley Jurgensmeyer led the Bearcats (10-19, 3-10 MIAA) with nine kills and a .353 hitting percentage while Lauren Noble led with 12 digs. Brianna Wallace had 29 assists for the Bearcats. It was SBU's fourth straight match against a ranked opponent.

The Bulldogs used a 13-5 run in the first set, turning a 3-3 tie into a 16-8 lead for the home team. Truman would win the first set 25-14. SBU would lead 12-10 in the second, before the Bulldogs would get four straight points and hold off the Bearcats in the tightly contested set, winning 25-22. There were several ties and lead changes in the third set and with the teams tied at 17, TSU would take five straight points to seal the match and win 25-19.

SBU returns home for two weekend matches. Friday the Bearcats will host Missouri Western at 7 p.m. and Saturday afternoon, SBU will host Northwest Missouri State at 2 p.m. SBU won earlier matches this year at St. Joseph and Maryville by identical 3-1 scores.