(JOPLIN, Mo.) – Senior Allison Barker and sophomore Megan Sharpe led the 13^th-ranked Truman volleyball squad with 12 kills apiece, and both Bulldog setters logged assist-dig double-doubles to help the Bulldog spikers defeat Missouri Southern, 3-1 (-15, 21-25, -17,- 19), on Friday night.

 

Barker (12 kills, .407 attack percentage) and Sharpe (Edwardsville, Ill.) (12 kills, .450 attack percentage) were the keys to a .290 team hitting effort and a move to 11-2 overall (4-1 MIAA). It was the fourth straight win for a Truman squad that now finds itself in a three-way tie for first place in the MIAA with Central Missouri and Washburn, with Emporia State just a half-game back at 3-1.

 

Truman held MSSU to an .024 mark in the opening frame to jump out quickly, but the Lions rebounded with a 5-1 run midway through the second set en route to evening the match at one apiece.

 

However, the Bulldogs caught fire in the final two frames, putting away 17 kills in each while hitting no worse than .371 to close out its second road victory of the season.

 

Barker added 11 digs for a double-double of her own, while senior Ashley Petak (22 assists, 11 digs) and junior Kylie Easlon (12 assists, 11 digs) each contributed offensively and defensively on the night. The setting duo also added two service aces each.

 

Senior libero Casey Bruno finished with 12 digs, and both of the Bulldogs' middle blockers – Sharpe and sophomore Emily Briseno – added three total blocks.

 

The Bulldogs close out the weekend trip with a 3 pm match on Saturday afternoon at Pittsburg State (4-8, 1-4 MIAA).