Loxley Keala and Carly Kan insist it was purely a coincidence.

Once they found out the other had committed to Missouri by the end of their sophomore years in high school, however, they were each extremely excited.

"We didn’t know we were both interested in the same school," said Keala, who graduated from ‘Iolani. "After we found out, knowing such a good player was coming with (me), it was a huge bonus."

"It was really crazy," said Kan, who went to Punahou. "I honestly had no idea she was talking to Missouri. I think we were even recruited by different coaches."

The high school rivals played on different club volleyball teams, but had known each other since their days playing AYSO soccer growing up.

Now in college, the freshmen have played a big part in Missouri’s 19-0 start.

The Tigers tied a school record with 19 straight wins to start the season after Tuesday night’s three-set victory over Austin Peay.

Missouri only broke into the AVCA Coaches Top 25 on Monday but debuted at No. 12 in the first RPI rankings released this week.

It’s taken a while for the Tigers to get national recognition.

"I just think that there are so many good college teams out there, and I think, last year, we weren’t doing as well as we are this year and that is taken into account a lot," Keala said.

Both Keala and Kan have started every match for the Tigers, but in different roles than they expected.

Keala was recruited as a setter and expected to redshirt this season since the team’s current starter is a senior.

Instead, she’s worked her way into the rotation as the starting libero.

"That’s been a huge bonus," Keala said.

Libero is the position Kan was recruited to play, but once she made it to school, she immediately started practicing on the outside.

"All of a sudden they told me to keep hitting so I was in the hitting lines playing outside," Kan said. "At first I was very confused as to what was happening, but they just kind of kept it going."

The move has worked to the Tigers’ advantage. Kan is second on the team with 170 kills and is hitting .367 while averaging 2.83 kills per set.

She’s third on the team with 142 digs, while Keala is fifth with 117.

Tuesday’s win over Austin Peay was the final nonconference match of the season for Missouri.

The Tigers, who already have wins over Southeastern Conference foes South Carolina, Auburn and Arkansas, play three of their next four at home, including a showdown against No. 2 Florida.

A win over the Gators would give the Tigers that marquee victory they need.

"We haven’t been playing top-10 schools or anything yet and I don’t think people will appreciate (our 19-0 start) until we beat someone really great," Kan said. "But honestly, it’s great we finally made the Top 25, but we have a goal to keep after and that’s what we’re concerned about.

"Our goal is to be the SEC champs. That’s what we’re pretty much focusing on."