ST.CHARLES, Mo. – Griffon volleyball (7-7) defeated Lindenwood 3-1 (22-25, 25-16, 26-24, 25-22) in their first match of the MIAA season. It is the third consecutive year that Missouri Western has won its conference opener.

BALANCED ATTACK
Lauren Murphy paced the Missouri Western offensewith 43 assists. Murphy was able to set up three Griffons with 11 kills or more in the match as well. Ali Tauchen led the trio with 14 kills, Stephanie Doak added 13 kills and Shellby Taylor finished with 11 kills. It is the fifth time this season MWSU has had at least three players record double-digit kills in the same match.

SHAKE IT OFF
The Griffons shook off a sluggish start against the Lions. Lindenwood won the first set 25-22, as MWSU finished the opening set with a .022 hitting percentage. Missouri Western responded by hitting .276 in a 25-16 second set victory. MWSU topped that by hitting .281 in the third set to take a 2-1 match lead.

COSTLY ERRORS
Lindenwood committed 14 service errors, the most by a Griffon opponent this season. The Lions would also make 22 attack errors in the match.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western travels to #15 Central Missouri on Saturday, Sept. 23 for a 3 p.m. match in Warrensburg, Missouri.