Tiger Volleyball honored by Big 12
By Shawn Davis, 12/05/05

With its best season in history, The Missouri Volleyball team was honored by both the Big-12 Conference and the NCAA this week. The Tigers earned a birth in the NCAA tournament, hosting a regional to take place this weekend. The Tigers will square off against in-state rival Missouri State on Friday, and if they win they will face St. Mary’s on Saturday.

The Tigers finished the season 22-4, third in the Big-12 and tenth in the AVCA coaches’ poll. The Tigers also received many individual honors starting with sophomore Tatum Ailes winning Big-12 libero of the year. Ailes led the Big 12 with 4.08 digs a game and out of the Tigers 1,181 digs, Ailes had 302. The Tigers led the Big-12 in that category. Ailes came up with big play after big play this year often times rallying the Tigers to victory. Ailes all out hustle not only kept the Tigers in games, but also helped them win games.

Other tigers receiving honors are senior setter Lindsey Hunter and outside hitter Jessica Vander Kooi. Both received first team All-Big 12 honors for their efforts during the regular season. Junior middle blocker, Nicole Wilson, made the All-Big-12 honorable mention list.

The fans showed support for the team all year as the Tigers ranked eight in the nation in attendance averaging just over 2,500 fans per game. The Tigers drew over 7,200 fans to their home match against Nebraska, easily breaking the previous record.

The Tigers will expect a similar turn out this weekend as they host a regional in the NCAA tournament. Students will receive free admission with a student ID.

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