SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— Drury freshman Ali Jansen had 18 kills to lead the Panthers to a 3-1 win over Missouri Southern State at the O'Reilly Family Event Center on Tuesday.
 
Drury raised their record to 8-3, while the Lions fell to 3-8.
 
A freshman from Plainfield, Illinois, Jansen committed just one attack error and posted a .607 hitting percentage in the four-set victory. Seven of her kills came in the final set.
 
"Ali was great tonight," said Drury head coach Jenifer Bahner. "She was able to see the defense and moved the ball around. I was excited to see her step up tonight.
 
Ali brings good composure to the court. She works hard, does her job, and is encouraging to her teammates. You like to have kids out there like that there are able to bring you good energy."
 
The Panthers claimed the opening set 25-21 but lost in the second by the same score. Drury then took charge, winning the third set 25-14, and closed out the match with a 25-11 win in the fourth.
 
In addition to Jansen's 18 kills, senior Taylor Forth added 12 kills and two blocks, while Gabby Birmingham had 32 assists and 13 digs. Juliana Squire contributed a team-high 16 digs and had eight kills.
 
Drury returns to conference play for their next game as they travel to Lindenwood on Friday for a 7 pm match in St. Charles, Missouri.
 
#allweDUiswin