Game Notes

Bolivar, Mo. - After coming off a thirlling MIAA victory over Missouri Southern, SBU Volleyball is back in action this week facing off against two MIAA opponents. The Bearcats are currently ranked first in the MIAA (2-0) and look to continue their impressive start to the season.

The Bearcats finished off last week with a 3-2 victory of Missouri Southern, with impressive offensive performances by outside hitters Kylie Heim and Britni Reed. Reed continues to be dominant both attacking and defensively, as she ranks in the top two on the team in both catagories.

Reed leads the Bearcats in kills, averaging 2.81 kills per set, followed closely by Heim who averages 2.69. On defense, SBU is lead by Alyx Glover, averaging 4.52 digs per set, and Reed who averages 3.31. The Bearcats have compiled 90.0 total blocks on the season, to go along with a team receiving percentage of .944.

The Coaches
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.

Philip Piontek is in his third season as the Head Coach of Jennies Volleyball, where he has compiled a 66-10 record after 24 years as an assistant. In 2010, he guided the squad to its second straight MIAA championship, and highest postseason finish since 1987.

Ibraheem Suberu has been the head coach for the Gorillas for 13 seasons, and has been a vital part of turning the program around.

Scouting the Opponents
Central Missouri comes into the week ranked #9 in the nation. Paula Harris leads UCM in kills, averaging 3.66 per set, and Taylor Krejci leads UCM in digs with 4.11 per set.

Pittsburg State comes into this week with a 1-1 record in the MIAA, and are lead offensively Morgan Voorhes who averages 2.93 kills per set and 2.40 digs per set.