Pregame
Mission returned to Hilly Beck Court at W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse on Monday, October 6, looking to bounce back as they hosted the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis (UHSP). The Lady Patriots entered the matchup 6-14 overall and 2-4 in American Midwest Conference play, seeking to regain momentum after a challenging stretch. Mission aimed to capitalize on home-court energy and return to form. UHSP came in at 3-16 overall and 3-4 in conference play, setting the stage for a competitive battle as both programs fought to climb the AMC standings.

Set 1 (25-14 Mission)

UHSP scored the first points of the match, but Mission quickly responded to tie it at 2-2. Abby Street put down a strong kill to get Mission rolling. After the Eutectics pulled ahead early, Mission rallied to take the lead, forcing UHSP to call a timeout at 8-7. Out of the break, UHSP briefly regained control, but the Lady Patriots strung together a dominant 7-1 run to pull ahead 16-11. A well-placed serve by Hannah Maxwell pushed the lead to 19-11. The Eutectics broke the run with a kill to center court, but Mission stayed composed as Sarah Purcell sealed the set with a well-timed kill to the gap, giving Mission the 25-14 win.

Set 2 (25-22 Mission)

UHSP opened the second set with early energy, taking the first point before Mission found its rhythm. After a back-and-forth start, Mission grabbed a narrow 4-3 lead, but a 4-0 Eutectic run put them in front 7-4. Karysn Ryan answered with an ace to even the score at 7-7, and Cora Duit and Hannah Maxwell combined for a block before Shelby Evans delivered a kill down the line to make it 11-8 Mission. The set stayed close as UHSP tied it at 16-16, but Violet Kirkpatrick broke the deadlock with a solo block. Rylea King added a crucial kill for a 22-20 edge, and back-to-back blocks set up set point. Hannah Maxwell capped off the set with an ace to close it 25-22 in Mission's favor.

Set 3 (25-20 Mission)

Mission looked to close out the match in three sets and started strong with the opening point. Violet Kirkpatrick again made her presence felt at the net with an early block, though UHSP answered with a 4-0 run to go up 6-2. Hannah Maxwell notched her 500th assist of the season during a rally that ended with an Allie Czachowski kill, narrowing the gap to 7-8. Mission rode that momentum to take a 13-10 lead, forcing UHSP into a timeout at 17-13. The Lady Patriots maintained control with timely kills from multiple hitters, stretching the lead to 21-15. The Eutectics mounted a late push, but Mission's steady play held them off as they closed out the set 25-20 to complete the sweep.

Postgame
Mission put together a complete team performance to earn their third AMC victory of the season, sweeping UHSP 3-0 at home. With strong offensive balance and consistent serving, the Lady Patriots improved to 7-14 overall and 3-4 in conference play. The win reflected Mission's growing chemistry and ability to close out tight sets behind leadership from veterans like Hannah Maxwell and Sarah Purcell. Mission looks to build on this momentum as they remain at home to host Missouri Valley College on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00 p.m. at W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse in Springfield.