MSSU Volleyball Building Off of Historic Season

JOPLIN, MO — Last season, Missouri Southern volleyball finished over .500 for the first time in over a decade. At 16-15, Kalie Carlile’s Lions finished seventh in MIAA rankings and eventually earned a spot in the championships.

In 2024, the Lions are looking to build off of last season’s momentum. Southern returns 11 players from the 2023 squad and bring in a few transfers as well. Outside hitter Fernanda Canedo and middle blocker Amelia Neels are two big names returning for the Lions.

Kyla Randall and Alana Moesch will also return as part of Carlile’s group. Randall, a junior libero for the Lions, said the bond between the group this season is stronger than in years past.

“It’s different from last year because I feel like we want to have that bond with each other,” said Randall.

“The greater the bond, the greater we play together, so I think our chemistry is already great just starting out.”

Alana Moesch, a senior outside hitter on the roster, said she is grateful for last season’s senior class.

“I was very lucky to have some good seniors last year who showed me the culture, and what Missouri Southern volleyball is,” said Moesch.

“I feel like I’m pretty confident this year and I’m ready to do the same things with the newcomers on our group.”

Carlile said the beginning of the season is just about the team getting to know each other and working to build relationships.

“I think its about getting to know who we are at this point in the season,” said Carlile.

“We’re trying to foster those relationships and get on the same page. I think its going to take a little time and we just have to keep going every single day.”

The Lions will travel to face the University of Minnesota – Duluth in Kingsville, Texas. Southern will play several games as part of the Texas A&M Kingsville invitational.

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