JOPLIN, Mo. – Missouri Western Volleyball picked up its fifth consecutive win beating Missouri Southern 25-23, 25-11, 25-14.

Missouri Southern broke open a 11-7 first set lead before the Griffons rallied off five straight points to take a 12-11 lead.  The Lions, would again take a lead but a late rally sparked by an Amanda Dalbey kill would push Missouri Western to a 25-23 first set victory.

After a close first set, MWSU would put away Missouri Southern easily in the next two sets.  The Griffons jumped out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back in the second set.  Missouri Western hammered 15 kills as a team with a .500 hitting percentage in the set as well.

Missouri Southern would hang in through the middle of the third set.  The Griffons led 13-11 midway through the set before ending the game on a 12-3 run.  MWSU would again hit over .400 in the set as it finished at .435 and 14 kills.

Missouri Western benefitted from a balanced attack at the net as they received 11 kills from Rachel Fredrichs, 10 from Kelsey Olion and seven apiece from Rachel Losch and Stephanie Doak.  Reigning MIAA Player of the Week, Kortney Blaufuss finished with 30 assist.  The Griffons also continued their strong serving as they totaled eight aces.

Missouri Western travels to Bolivar, Missouri tomorrow at 3 p.m. to play Southwest Baptist.