DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake volleyball (14-6, 7-1) used a stifling defensive display as they controlled Saturday's match with Missouri State (9-12, 3-6) from start to finish. The Bulldogs outscored Missouri State 25-14, 25-17, and 25-12 as they secured their fourth-straight win via sweep.
 
The first set started with all momentum leaning towards Drake as the Bulldogs exploded out to a 10-4 lead. The Bears were able to claw back within striking distance but could not keep up with Drake's offense. Addison Beagle eventually capped a 10-2 Bulldog run to end the set, 25-14.
 
Drake again built an early lead to kick off the second period as they led 14-6. The Bulldogs owned an advantage as wide as 12 points before Missouri State made things a bit more interesting. The Bears trimmed Drake's lead down to six points following a 7-1 rally, but Drake was able to flip the momentum and finish off the second set with two Haley Bush kills and an MSU error.
 
Drake proceeded to sprint through the third set, doubling up the Bears with a final score of 25-12. The Bulldogs used another early lead and suffocating defense to finalize their 3-0 match victory.
 
As a team, Drake matched their second-highest single-match block total of the season with 12. Kacie Rewerts led all players with seven rejections while Ashlynn Kuhn added five. Elsewhere on defense, Jada Wills collected a match-high 20 digs followed by Macy Daufeldt's 14.
 
Addison Beagle led all players with four service aces, her season high, and added 19 assists. Madison Geise led both teams with 21 assists. Haley Bush posted 15 kills while Taylor Oberpriller reached double figures with 11.
 
"It's certainly good to get a win tonight, we really needed that," Drake head coach Darrin McBroom said. "Our players came out and everyone did their job. I'm proud of the grit our team demonstrated working through some long rallies and taking multiple swings and multiple efforts to score. Defensively, I thought our team was solid tonight…playing smart, controlled volleyball…and tonight was a great example of that."
 
The Bulldogs will finish their three-game homestand with a pivotal rivalry match on Monday, Oct. 16. Drake will host UNI at 6 p.m.


NOTES

• Drake is now 3-1 at home this season.
• Drake's four most recent matches have ended via sweep.
• The Bulldogs have now won four matches in a row and seven of their last eight contests.
• As a team, Drake matched their second-highest single-match block total of the season with 12.
• Addison Beagle scored on a season-high four service aces.
• Haley Bush is second all-time on Drake's all-time kills list with 1,547.