Box Score ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Although the offensive production may have been a bit off the pace that head coach Marian Carbin prefers, the end result suited Missouri Western just fine as the Griffons handed Pittsburg State its first MIAA loss of the year with a 3-1 (20-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23) win on Friday. Allie Kerns posted 12 of MWSU's 47 kills on the night, with Jessica Sachen adding three service aces to her team-leading 22 digs.
In contrast to their last three matches. the Griffs got off to a slow start in the first set, trailing 6-2 then 19-12 after a PSU run. Despite closing the gap to 21-18, MWSU found itself trailing 1-0 in the match headed to the second set.
Missouri Western's offense picked up a bit in the second set, with 16 kills and a .283 hitting percentage, but Pitt State hung close until a four-point MWSU surge at 20-20. Hailey Crane opened the run with a pair of kills before Kerns got the Griffons to set point with a thunderous finish after a 20-point rally and put the set away after a service error from the Griffs.
Ali Tauchen followed up a big kill with a service ace to spark a five-point run for Missouri Western in the third set to turn a 10-6 deficit into an 11-10 lead and an eventual 25-22 set win.
The Gorillas briefly threatened to run away with the fourth set and take the match to five, as PSU opened with a 4-0 run and held MWSU at arm's length to 8-4. The Griffons were able to gradually nip away at the deficit, eventually taking a 17-15 lead. The final 16 points were a dogfight, with Missouri Western able to hold on for the match win.
The Griffons posted a hitting percentage of .204 for the match with 47 kills to just 14 errors, while Pittsburg State recorded 25 errors against 54 kills for a .176 pace.
Missouri Western is scheduled to hit the road for its next four matches, beginning with a Friday, Oct. 1 visit to Fort Hays State University. First serve is set for 6 p.m.