Missouri State University’s beach volleyball team is set to compete in its second Conference USA (CUSA) Championship, beginning April 23 at Sugar Beach in Youngsville, Louisiana. The Bears, who are the No. 6 seed among nine teams, will open against third-seeded Florida International University on Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
The tournament uses a double-elimination format. Teams that lose their first match move to the contender’s bracket for another chance to advance. All matches will be streamed on ESPN+, with the championship match scheduled for Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
Missouri State enters postseason play with a record of 23-4, which is the second-most wins in program history after last year’s team finished with a record of 26-7. The Bears are ranked fifth in Conference USA by CollegeBeachVB and ended their regular season with victories over Southeastern Louisiana and Central Arkansas, including a sweep against UCA. Against CUSA opponents this season, Missouri State holds an undefeated record of 3-0.
Key players include Manuela Niemeyer and MacKenzie Steele, who are tied for first place in program history with 73 career wins each. Steele and Amanda Cleary have achieved a record as partners this season of 23-4 and hold the program’s best mark as a duo with an overall career record of 60-23.
Head coach Ashley Emery is leading the Bears into her fourth season and has achieved more wins than any previous coach in program history with an overall mark of 76-34. Emery led Missouri State to its best start ever this year at 14-0, including four tournament sweeps.
