THE BASICS
Records: Kennesaw State (0-1), Missouri (1-0)
Score: Kennesaw State 2, Missouri 3
Key Players: Sydni Shelton (14 kills and six digs), Liesl Engelbrecht (12 kills hitting .421 and five blocks), Katarina Morton (19 digs)
 
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THE STORYLINE: 
· Kennesaw State pushed No. 17/29 Missouri to the limits going up 2-1 and then holding a 7-4 lead in the fifth set before the Tigers closed the final set on an 11-3 run to steal the home opener from the Owls.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
· The Owls took the first and third sets to build a 2-1 lead over Missouri, but after falling down, the nationally ranked Tigers fought back both times to tie the match back up before coming up with some key blocks in the fifth set to win the match.
 
SCHUNZEL QUOTE:
"This match was about two things in my eyes: competitive greatness, which we had all night and opportunities, which we didn't take advantage of at the right times late in the match. We had a ton of standout performances and put ourselves in position to win it in the fifth set, but Mizzou made some big plays coming down the stretch. I'm really proud of our effort and can't wait to watch our team compete again tomorrow at noon. It's always a special day when we get to compete in the KSU Convocation Center in front of our fans and to get to put on the KSU jersey."
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 
· Two sophomores led the Owls on the offensive side tonight as Sydni Shelton had 14 kills hitting .205 on 39 attacks and Liesl Engelbrecht had 12 kills hitting .421 and five blocks.
 · Katarina Morton led the team with 19 digs.
· The attendance was 1,323 for the home opener against Missouri.
· Kristi Piedimonte collected 40 assists in the five set match. She also had 10 digs to give her a double-double in the season opener.
  
 
UP NEXT
Kennesaw State will be right back at it as it takes on Liberty tomorrow at noon and then plays Pittsburgh at 7:30 tomorrow night.

To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State volleyball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsVB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
 
All tickets to all 2016 home volleyball contests are free throughout the year.