WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Although the Missouri Western volleyball team held a slight edge on the defensive side of the ball, it wasn't enough to overcome a blistering first-set hitting performance from the University of Central Missouri as the Griffons fell 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-20) on Tuesday night. Jessica Sachen had 23 of Missouri Western's 64 team digs in the match.
Missouri Western kept pace with the Jennies through much of the opening set, until a 12-5 run turned a 9-9 tie into a 21-14 eve for UCM. After a timeout, the Griffons collected a sideout to pull within 21-15 but UCM held on for the win. UCM collected a .343 hitting percentage in the first set, while MWSU mustered just a .061 mark.
After falling 25-14 in the second set, the Griffons opened the third set with a strong comeback effort. Hailey Crane was the driving force for MWSU, recording two block assists and a kill as her squad opened an 8-5 lead, but UCM was able to answer and eventually extend a 20-15 lead. The Griffons fought hard to close the gap and pulled as close as 23-20, but they couldn't complete the comeback.
Missouri Western falls to 7-2 on the season, but looks to rebound for its home opener on Saturday. First serve against Northwest Missouri State is set for 2 p.m.