No. 21 Mizzou (8-3) is gearing up for an exciting start to SEC play with two tough matches ahead. They’ll face No. 13 Texas A&M (8-2) on September 24 and No. 2 Texas (8-0) on September 26. Both games promise to be thrilling encounters for fans and players alike.
The Tigers kick off their journey against the Aggies at Reed Arena, College Station, Texas, at 6 p.m. Mizzou will then travel to Austin for the matchup with the Longhorns at 8 p.m. the following Friday. Fans can catch the Texas A&M game live on ESPN2 and the Texas match on SEC+
This rivalry is rich in history. Texas A&M currently holds a 34-21 lead in all-time matchups, but Mizzou has shown strength with two wins in their last three games at Reed Arena. The teams first clashed in October 1981 and became annual rivals in 1996. Mizzou also seeks to improve its 11-22 record against Texas, despite winning their last face-off in November 2024.
Beyond these matchups, the Tigers are also making a name for themselves with standout players. Senior libero Maya Sands has been making waves, recently being named SEC Player of the Week after recording outstanding performance stats. At the same time, senior transfer Caylen Alexander is gaining attention after leading the NCAA in kills last season with 611. Sands’s defensive prowess and Alexander’s attacking skills make a formidable duo.
Additionally, the team has reached certain personal milestones: Sands recently hit her 1,500th career dig, and head coach Dawn Sullivan marked her 150th win. It showcases not just individual talent but also strong leadership within the program.
Interestingly, Mizzou was picked to finish fourth in the SEC Preseason Poll, with Kentucky holding the top spot. This ranking reflects the growing competitiveness of the conference.
This season holds promise, and the Tigers are ready to make their mark. As fans gear up for the matches, there’s an air of optimism swirling around the program. How the team performs could redefine their legacy and challenge the established norms within the SEC.
For all the latest updates on Mizzou Volleyball, visit MUTigers.com.
