November 28, 2017

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THE STANDARD M I S S O U R I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

VOLUME 111, ISSUE 13 | THE-STANDARD.ORG The Standard/The Standard Sports

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

MVC

For the second time in three years, the Bears are MVC Champions and are headed to the NCAA Tournament BRENNER MOORE Staff Reporter @brennerm2

To almost no one’s surprise, the Missouri State volleyball knocked out University of Northern Iowa in the Missouri Valley Conference championship. In their third matchup of the season, the Bears swept the Panthers for the second time this year. “Unbelievable, awesome,” senior Brianne Dixon said. “If you watched me, I kinda go crazy on my celebrations, but finally we had (won the conference) and we had worked so hard.” The 3-0 win for the Bears also ex-

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CHAMPS 7 p.m. 4 p.m.

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tended their road victory streak to 22, an NCAA record. However, that NCAA record barely scratches the surface of the Bears’ accomplishments this season. First and foremost, the Bears dominated in conference play this season and the two seasons before that. At the end of the season, the Bears finished with 34 consecutive MVC wins, – their last loss came from Southern Illinois University on Sept. 17, 2016. Adding to the impressive road streak, the Bears beat three rating percentage index (RPI) top-50 teams on the road

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this season. So, the Bears proved themselves on the road, but how did they do at home? Turns out, they played just as well. This season, the Bears are 11-2 at home while boasting an .808 winning percentage since 2000. All of these records will be put to the test on Friday, Dec. 1, when the Bears travel to Omaha, Nebraska to take on Michigan State University in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Looking at the match up, the Spartans are favored to win, but at the same time, the Bears could force an upset. The key to victory for the Bears is whether or not they can defend against the Spartans’ strong offense. Sitting at No. 17 on the RPI rank-

Creighton (25-6) Second Round Coastal Caro. (20-7) 7 p.m. Missouri St. (28-5) Michigan St. (21-8)

ings, Michigan State recorded a respectable .272 attack percentage this season. They also averaged 2.2 blocks a set compared to the Bears’ 1.9, so the game at the net could go either way. Heading into the championship match of the MVC tournament, head coach Melissa Stokes changed up her defensive plan. Junior MacKenzie Irwin usually starts at middle blocker for the Bears. In the championship game against UNI, redshirt freshman Laynie Dake started instead. The idea behind this change came from Stokes when she realized Irwin started against the Panthers twice this season. The substitution kept the Bears game plan a bit more hidden and ultimately played a major role in their victory. “I wanted an element of surprise,”

Stokes said. “After you’ve played a team twice, you’ve got to give them a little different of a look, and I think it payed off.” The NCAA announcement aired on Nov. 26 when the team gathered in the Dixon’s household to watch the bid. All year the team acted as more of a family than anything else. It seemed that no matter where they went in the country to play, someone that supported them opened their doors. The girls never once looked like teammates – they looked like sisters. This family core is something that the Bears cherish, and it’s also something they look for. “I think it’s just something we foster,” senior Lauren Boone said. “I think it’s just something we attract in our recruits every year. People that want to be a part of a family come to us.”

Facebook Marketplace meeting leads to armed robbery near campus CORTLYNN STARK News Editor @Cortlynn_Stark Two suspects robbed a man at gunpoint Monday night, near Missouri State’s campus, after arranging to meet through Facebook Marketplace. According to Missouri State’s Safety and Transportation Department’s Public Safety Alert, a non-student was trying to sell his cellphone and met the suspects at 631 E. Madison, near Madison Square Apartments and just west of Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium. One suspect pointed a gun and demanded the man’s possessions, according to the

alert. The suspects left with the man’s items heading northeast. According to the alert, the suspects are white males, around 6-foot to 6-foot-2 and around 160 pounds. One man was wearing a hoodie, but both wore dark clothing. The suspect who pointed the gun had long blond hair in a ponytail and was around 19-20 years old, according to the alert. According to the alert, the gun could be a “357,” described as a gray revolver. The Springfield Police Department responded to the robbery and are investigating. If you have any information, contact the SPD at 417864-1810.

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D-Rep. Crystal Quade and R-Rep. Jered Taylor discuss gun control during a public panel at MSU.

Safe or scared? State reps talk gun legislation CHLOE SKAAR Senior Reporter @chloeskaar Two Missouri legislators came to Missouri State to discuss guns, gun laws and guns on campus. State Representatives Crystal Quade, democrat, and Jered Taylor, republican, met in the Plaster Student Union Theatre Monday night to educate students and citizens in a town hall-style meeting about guns and safety. Elizabeth Dudash-Buskirk, associate professor of communication at MSU and

curator for Be Civil Be Heard, facilitated their discussion and delivered questions from the audience. “If we are civil to each other, we will be heard eventually,” Dudash-Buskirk said, of the idea behind Be Civil Be Heard. “That’s the only way to have a good discussion and good, civil, civic discourse. … Civility is not just about not calling people names and not fighting.” Dudash-Buskirk said both state representatives came together easily and were eager to talk about “one of the most divisive topics ever” — guns and Missouri’s gun restrictions.

Quade, a graduate of MSU with a social work degree, said the topic is important to her after a childhood in southern Missouri. “When I was asked to come, it was a very easy yes for me,” Quade said. “As someone who grew up in Webster County, eating the meat that my father killed, I understand the importance of the Second Amendment.” Taylor said he intends to file legislation that addresses the gun free zones in Missouri — 17 already exist. He said he wants legislature that addresses each one and u See GUNS, page 8

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