Joplin, Mo. - The SBU volleyball team began their 2023 campaign today as they played two games in the Missouri Southern invite. The Bearcats swept the day defeating both opponents in only seven total sets. This moves them to 2-0 on the season. 

Game 1 SBU vs Southern Arkansas: Win, 3-1 

The Bearcats were consistent in game one of the day scoring 25 points in all four sets; 25-16, 25-27, 25-16, 25-17. Southwest Baptist dominated their opponents outscoring them by 24 total points. Sophomore Ella Rademaker had the best game of her life recording a career high 23 kills and only four errors for a hitting percentage of .352.  

"I have three things to say: all Glory to God, this team is legitimately fire, and 'it's the thought that counts.'"- Rademaker said. 

Game 2 SBU vs Newman: Win, 3-0 

The dominance continued into game two of the day where the Bearcats swept MIAA opponent Newman University. They won all three sets by a combined 75-47 winning all sets 25-19, 25-9, and 25-19. It was a team effort in game two with eight Bearcats recording a kill. Rademaker led the team again with 10 total kills and another impressive .348 hitting percentage. Senior Loran Pritchett had a big game recording three serving aces to go along with eight kills, seven digs, and an assist. 

Sophomore Bailey Lasater also had an overall impressive day with 48 total assists, 35 coming in the first game. Junior Paityn Kramer led the team in digs with 36 total. 

The Bearcats will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday September 2nd, as they finish the Missouri Southern Invite. They begin the day at 5:00 PM as they take on Northwestern Oklahoma State. Then immediately after they will battle the host and former MIAA foe in Missouri Southern.