Bolivar, Mo. -- The SBU Bearcats will be in action this Wednesday as they host the Baker University Wildcats in Bolivar. Last weekend the Bearcats hosted the SBU Purple Bash, a tournament featuring 12 schools, and opened up MIAA play with a win against Fost Hays State in three streight sets.
The Bearcats came out of last weekends tournament with an overall record of 5-3. The Bearcats came away with a record of 2-2, winning their first two games of the Purple Bash against Southern Arkansas and Fort Hays.
Sophomore Britni Reed lead the Bearcats last weekend, with an average of 3.56 kills per set and posted an impressive .303 hitting percentage against Fort Hays State.

Defensively, the Bearcats continue to excel with Alyx Glover and Kristi Hager leading the way for the Bearcats. Over the last four games Glover has averaged 5.25 digs per set, while Hager averaged 3.56. The Bearcats continue their sound defense by recording receiving percentages of .950 for Glover, and .941 for Jenna Isaacs.

THE COACHES AND THE ALL-TIME SERIES
Bearcats head coach Kelly Richardson attended Missouri State University on a volleyball scholarship where she trained as a setter. After completing her 2000 season at MSU, she transferred to Evangel University where she continued to set and also played right side. Richardson broke six school records while attending Evangel, and was the first player in school history to be named a volleyball All-American. Richardson graduated from Evangel with her B.S. in physical education and a health minor. Coach Richardson has entered into her fifth season, as the Bearcats head coach with a 5-3 record. Richardson career coaching recorded at SBU is 49-92.

Kathy Allen is in here 14 season at Baker University, posting a career record as a head coach of 286-163. Allen has coached five All-Americans and numerous players to region and conference honors.

Trish Knight former Texas Tech and Missouri State-West Plains head coach is the sixth head coach in the history of the Missouri Southern volleyball program. Knight enters into the 2011 season with a 2-6 record. Knight played four years at the former Southwest Missouri State University and was inducted into the SMSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Baker is coming into the week with a two game losing streak. With one of their biggest strengths being their front line.
Missouri Southern is coming into the week with a one game losing streak. The Lion are ranked second in the MIAA conference in service aces with a 1.47 avarage per set and tenth in Digs with a 14.06 average.