SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The thirteenth-ranked Missouri Tigers defeated the Idaho Vandals volleyball team, in straight sets (30-23, 30-21, 30-26), Friday at the Shamrock Invitational held at Notre Dame.  

The loss improves Missouri to 4-1, while the Vandals fall to 0-4.

Missouri saw an Idaho team that hit better and was more consistent but still unable to crack the win column.

"I think we played much better today then we did last weekend, but we still need a more consistent effort out of the whole team," head coach Debbie Buchanan said. "We did some good things in game three and I thought we had several chances to win that one."

The Vandals attack improved from last week's outings as they hit a season best .192, but they were unable to hold Missouri defensively and the Tigers hit .337.

Lauren Mathis led the team with a .556 hitting percentage as she stroked five kills on nine attacks. She also collected a block assist.

Blocking was once again a trouble spot for Idaho as they collected only six on the match. The Vandals held the Tigers to only seven blocks in the match.

"We need to get better with our blocking, it is something we are missing," Buchanan said. "We also need to get more digs, but overall I definitely see improvement."

The Vandals return to the court for their second straight match against a nationally ranked foe when they face tournament host Notre Dame at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.