Republic stumbled out of the gate and never found its footing in a three-set loss at Nixa Tuesday. The Lady Eagles handed Republic its second straight loss, 25-13, 25-21, 25-20.
The Lady Tigers won the first point of the night, then fell behind and never led again. Nixa won four straight points, pushed its lead to 9-5, then won seven of the next nine points to take control. Republic’s passing game wavered early, making its attack opportunities few and far between. It was more than 30 points into the game before Republic season kill leader Rilynn Finley recorded her first kill of the night.
Republic stayed close in the second set, recovering from an early five-point deficit to tie the score at 14-14. But four straight points by Nixa gave the Lady Eagles a 20-16 lead, and although Republic got within one point at 20-19, Nixa held on to take the second set.
In the third, the game was tied 6-6, but Nixa won 11 of the next 12 points and never looked back.
Finley finished the night with nine kills. Kailey Manes led the team with three blocks. Manes, Finley, and Claire Esther each had six digs. Finley and Manes had one service ace apiece, and Manes also led the team with 15 digs.
Nixa also won the JV and freshman matches.
Republic falls to 21-9 overall and 3-2 in the Central Ozark Conference. The Lady Tigers host Webb City Thursday.